PHP2.1B Released for Shelter Aid to Yolanda Survivors in North Cebu — DSWD-7

(PNA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 has so far released PHP2.1 billion worth of Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) to help rebuild houses in northern Cebu which were destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda on Nov. 8, 2013, an official said.

But DSWD 7 Director Mercedita Jabagat said only the towns of Madridejos in Bantayan Island and Tabogon have so far finished their ESA distribution, a DSWD official said.

Jabagat said the towns of Bantayan, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tudela and Pilar and the city of Bogo are still distributing the funds, she said.

She said the DSWD will directly conduct the ESA distribution on Aug. 7 for Sogod town.

The check for Poro, Camotes is already available, Jabagat added.

The DSWD 7 said it is processing documents for the towns of Tuburan and San Francisco and the balance for Sta. Fe and Tabuelan.

Jabagat said those who qualify for ESA include families whose houses were either damaged or destroyed but were located in safe areas.

Families who rented or shared houses within safe areas may also qualify, provided they are in the Disaster Family Access Card (DAFAC) list submitted by LGUs to DSWD.

Also qualified are families whose heads are not permanent or regular employees and lack access to housing loans, whether in the government or private sector.

Regular employees with a fixed monthly salary below PHP15,000 are also eligible if they have not received housing assistance from other agencies and are included in the master list of beneficiaries. (PNA) CTB/EB