DSWD Provides PHP20 Million in Aid to El Niño-Affected Families in Bicol

Legazpi City, Bicol – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated nearly PHP20 million in aid to families impacted by the El Niño phenomenon across three provinces in the Bicol Region over the past two weeks. This support aims to assist those affected by the significant agricultural losses caused by the ongoing dry spell.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD-Bicol’s disaster response and management division chief, the department has distributed 28,851 family food packs (FFPs) in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Masbate since April 20. Sorsogon is set to receive its share of assistance directly from regional warehouses. Each food pack includes essential items such as rice, corned beef, sardines, coffee, and cereal drinks, designed to sustain a family of five for at least two days.

Villareal also highlighted that the DSWD-Bicol holds stockpiles and standby funds totaling PHP208 million, prepared for further augmentation and distribution. Coordination with local government units (LGUs) is ongoing, with efforts to validate and assess the needs of those LGUs that have already submitted their requests for assistance.

The Department of Agriculture-Bicol has reported that the El Niño event has adversely affected 11,252 hectares of agricultural land, with losses in rice, corn, and high-value crops estimated at PHP532.8 million.