ampanga First District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has requested the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend 25-day Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to 412 stall owners affected by the fire that razed the Pampang Public Market on September 16.

The ECT program for fire victims provides immediate financial assistance to help affected families and individuals begin their recovery following a disaster.

Under the program, each qualified stall owner may receive P5,000 to P10,000 in cash assistance.

“Kahit paano ay makatulong ito sa pagsisimula ng ating mga kababayang nawalan ng hanapbuhay,” Lazatin said.

The request has reached the office of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, according to DSWD Regional Director Venus Rebuldela.

Lazatin earlier sought P300 million in 2027 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) assistance from President Ferdinand Marcos for the reconstruction of the affected portions of Pampang Public Market.

The request was coursed through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, with the concurrence of Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.

Lazatin also inspected the fire-damaged market with DPWH District Engineer Cezar Abella and Engr. Sheryl Faustino to assess the extent of the damage.

“Kasama ninyo kami sa inyong pagdadalamhati at, higit sa lahat, kasama ninyo kami sa inyong pagbangon sa trahedyang ito,” Lazatin said.

“Patuloy kaming nakikiisa at handang makibahagi sa inyong muling pagsisimula,” he added.

The cash assistance request and proposed reconstruction funding form part of continuing efforts to help affected stall owners recover their livelihoods and rebuild following the market fire.