The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently monitoring all areas along the path of Tropical Storm Basyang  and is ready to immediately send relief goods to augment the resources of local government units  (LGUs),  when needed.

To date, LGUs in affected areas still have the capacity to address the needs of their respective constituents.

Nonetheless, the DSWD has a total of 407,871 family food packs amounting to P137,222,263.71 and available food and non-food items amounting to P476,772,764.23.

DSWD Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco assured the public that DSWD has ample resources even as it continues its intensive relief operations in Bicol for the families affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano .

Based on the 8:00am February 14 report, some 9,784 families or 40,413 are affected by Basyang in 170 barangays in Regions VI, VII, and CARAGA.

Of the total, 8,648 families are staying in 149 evacuation centers in the three affected regions while 486 families are staying with their relatives and friends

The Department also received reports that 618 passengers were stranded in the following areas: Cebu Port, Cebu City; San Ricardo Port, Southern Leyte; and Lipata Ferry Terminal and Eva Macapagal Port, Surigao City.

Once again, OIC Leyco called on residents in disaster areas to  be vigilant and to obey orders  of their local officials for their own safety.

“Matuto na po sana tayo sa ating mga karanasan.  Huwag po tayong mag-atubiling humingi ng tulong mula sa ating mga lokal na opisyal ( Let us learn from our experiences. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your local officials),” he said. ###