The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office 8- Eastern Visayas is set to deliver on Saturday (March 22) more than 23,000 family food packs (FFPs) to the Province of Eastern Samar as part of its augmentation support for families affected by recent flooding caused by the shear line.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said Field Office Eastern Visayas is now preparing for the immediate dispatch of the food packs following a request from the provincial local government.

“Secretary Rex Gatchalian already instructed our Field Office in Eastern Visayas to swiftly deliver the family food packs to the province of Easter Samar,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Saturday (March 22).

According to the DSWD spokesperson, the heavy rains that have battered Eastern Visayas over the past days have caused widespread flooding, displacing 1,665 families or 6,288 persons, who are currently taking temporary shelter in evacuation centers or staying with their relatives or friends.

“As of March 21, a total of 28,582 families or 98,805 persons from 165 barangays in the region have been affected by the weather disturbance,” the DRMG official said

The DSWD’s Field Office 8 has been actively monitoring the situation and working closely with local government units (LGUs) to assess the needs of flood-affected families.

“The Field Office’s Quick Response Team members are also on standby for activation if the need arises,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

As of press time, the DSWD maintains more than Php952 million stockpiles and standby funds. (YADP)