Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo today said that assistance to our kababayans in Batanes affected by Ferdie and Gener are on the way.

As of this writing, the  National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) team is set to take off via C130 from Villamor Airbase in Pasay with 1,000 family food packs, water and generator sets. The team is enroute to Tuguegarao, Cagayan to pick up the Rapid Damaged and Needs Analysis and  Rapid Emergency Telecommunications Teams.

“DSWD is ready to fulfill its augmentation role to the relief efforts of local government units (LGU) of the province who are the first responders. We fully support the efforts of the LGU to help our affected kababayans and we will also do our best to give all the assistance within our means to help in relief and rescue operations,” Sec. Taguiwalo expounded.

Typhoon Ferdie has affected some 2,710 families or 10,344 persons in 16 barangays in Ilocos Norte, Region I and the provinces of Batanes and Cagayan in Region II.

As of 6AM today, September 17, 20 families or 151 persons are inside still in three evacuation centers in Basco, Batanes; while 2,651 families or 10,063 persons temporarily took shelter with their relatives and friends.

To date, a total of ₱625,200.00 worth of relief assistance has been provided to the affected families. Of the said amount, the Department provided ₱620,200.00, while the LGU of Solsona, Ilocos Norte provided ₱5,000.00. ###