DSWD releases P30-M aid to ‘Kristine’-affected in Naga

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has distributed PHP30 million in livelihood assistance to 1,513 residents of 25 barangays in Naga City, Camarines Sur who were affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024.

In a media release on Friday, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio said the post-disaster recovery efforts follow the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who called for enhanced disaster response measures.

Each of the grantees received PHP20,000 in a series of distributions this week as a livelihood settlement grant to help start their microenterprises.

“The primary sources of income for these individuals included managing sari-sari stores, food vending, and selling various dry goods, all of which were destroyed during the storm in October 2024,” he said.

Laurio said the provision of livelihood settlement grants aims to assist internally displaced persons in regaining sustainable sources of income after the economic disruptions caused by the disaster.

The initiative is part of several strategies employed by the SLP, which is the DSWD’s primary capacity-building program.

One of the grantees, Losa Genaro Sarte, and his partner, Cheska Mae Mendoza, of Barangay Concepcion Grande, shared their experience of facing significant economic setbacks after the storm destroyed their store last year.

“Our merchandise was wiped out. We had just bought everything, and then it was all swept away. Even our pots and our house were destroyed, as we lived close to the river,” Mendoza said.

Having received the grant, Mendoza said he was eager to rebuild their sari-sari store and restock their supplies with the assistance provided. She thanked the DSWD for helping them get back on their feet.

“Thank you very much for this significant help for those of us with small shops that were damaged by the typhoon. Now, we can restore it. We are very grateful; it has been a tremendous support,” she added. (PNA)

LIVELIHOOD GRANT. A staff member of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 5 (Bicol) releases the PHP20,000 livelihood settlement grant to a resident of Naga City on July 9, 2025. The beneficiaries were 1,513 residents whose businesses were destroyed by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)