Manila, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended substantial aid to those affected by the recent floods and landslides in Eastern Visayas, resulting from the shear line and a low-pressure area. This assistance reflects the government's commitment to provide timely support to those impacted by natural disasters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD's field office in Eastern Visayas has distributed more than PHP37.2 million worth of family food packs (FFPs) as of November 24. This equates to 49,566 boxes of aid. Lopez shared this information on Friday during the Weekend Report, which was broadcast live on the department's Facebook Page.
The FFPs have been distributed to various flood-affected areas across Eastern Visayas. This includes Naval in Biliran; municipalities of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, and Oras in Eastern Samar; Calbayog City, Gandara, San Jorge, and Sta. Margarita in Samar; and numerous locations in Northern Samar such as Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Capul, Catubig, Lapinig, Las Navas, Lavezares, Palapag, Lope de Vega, Laoang, Mapanas, San Roque, San Antonio, and San Vicente. Additionally, families affected by a landslide in Bontoc, Southern Leyte, have also received support.
Beyond family food packs, the DSWD-8 has provided non-food items (NFIs) to various local government units (LGUs) in need. Lopez stated that the DSWD Field Office-8 currently maintains over PHP6 million in standby funds and has over PHP127.8 million worth of FFPs and NFIs strategically prepositioned in the region, ready to be dispatched for further augmentation assistance.
Social Welfare Secretary Gatchalian visited Northern Samar on Friday, where he met with local officials and oversaw the distribution of relief items to internally displaced individuals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication lines with all LGUs to ensure the timely provision of resources and appropriate interventions in response to the ongoing needs of the affected communities.
This allocation and distribution of aid by the DSWD demonstrate the government's proactive approach in responding to natural disasters, ensuring that affected families receive necessary assistance promptly.