Financial Assistance Reaches Two GenSan Communities
GENERAL SANTOS CITY- On September 17, 2026, DSWD FO XII conducted an UPLIFT Disaster Assistance payout for earthquake-affected residents in two barangays. A total of 4,296 beneficiaries were included in the distribution, with 2,867 from Barangay Tambler receiving assistance at Lagao Gymnasium and 1,429 from Barangay Fatima served at Fatima Covered Court. The assistance was intended to help households manage their immediate needs following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8. This distribution marked another phase of the region's continuing support for affected families.
Continuing the Work of Rebuilding Lives
The September payout forms part of the wider government response following the earthquake that affected General Santos City and neighboring communities. Earlier, DSWD reported providing PHP 40.265 million in financial assistance through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to affected families and individuals in the city as of June 18, 2026. Together, these interventions illustrate the different forms of support made available during the emergency and recovery periods. For recipient families, financial assistance can provide practical help as they gradually rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and daily routines.
Cash Support for the Road to Recovery
Unlike relief packages that primarily provide food and basic supplies, financial assistance gives recipient households greater flexibility in addressing their individual priorities. Families may have different recovery expenses, including essential household purchases and other necessities arising from earthquake damage. DSWD had previously emphasized the importance of extending cash assistance alongside relief operations so affected residents could address needs beyond food distribution. This approach recognizes that recovery involves more than immediate emergency response.
