ILOCOS - The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Ilocos Region (DSWD-1) has provided PHP12 million worth of food and non-food relief items to local government units (LGUs) assisting families affected by the recent southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon Carina. The distribution is aimed at supporting ongoing local relief efforts.
According to Philippines News Agency, the department has turned over a total of 16,121 family food packs and 281 non-food items as of Saturday. Bauang, La Union, which declared a state of calamity on Friday, received 300 family food packs, 73 hygiene kits, and 73 sleeping kits designated for families currently housed in evacuation centers. The family food packs include essentials such as six kilograms of rice, canned goods, instant coffee, and cereal drinks. "The first relief operations were done by the LGUs then we augment based on the list of unserved beneficiaries and if there is a need, there would be a second round only if needed," Gopalan explained during a radio interview.
The DSWD-1 report reveals that as of July 26, the adverse weather conditions affected 74,427 families, or 286,294 individuals, across 81 LGUs in the region. Currently, 529 families are taking refuge in 55 active evacuation centers, while another 6,814 families, comprising 22,789 individuals, are staying with relatives. The report also noted that four houses were completely destroyed, and 77 others were partially damaged due to the strong winds and falling trees.
Gopalan confirmed that relief packs are continuously being sent to satellite offices throughout the region to ensure timely distribution. The DWSD has allocated a total of PHP72.9 million for relief operations, with PHP5 million reserved as standby funds and the remainder used for procuring food and non-food items necessary for the relief efforts.