The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office-7 (Central Visayas), continues to assist families affected by weather disturbances and residents whose houses were razed in separate fire incidents in the region.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Thursday (February 15) the DSWD Central Visayas regional office swiftly responded to the pressing needs of families impacted by the recent onslaught of the northeast monsoon and fire incidents in different municipalities.
“The relief efforts are part of the DSWD’s continuous commitment to quick disaster response and recovery, ensuring the affected families will receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Asst. Sec. Lopez said the DSWD has so far extended more than Php 2.4 million worth of humanitarian assistance to the residents of Catmon and Madridejos towns in Cebu, who were severely affected by the northeast monsoon causing unfavorable weather conditions from January 26 to 27.
“The prepositioned food boxes were distributed to the affected localities, while additional augmentation requests from local government units were also facilitated by our Central Visayas field office,” Asst. Sec. Lopez pointed out.
More than 3,500 family food packs (FFPs) were provided to the affected localities, according to the DSWD spokesperson.
Based on the latest report, some 12,681 individuals from two municipalities were affected by the weather disturbance.
Aid for fire-hit families
Asst. Sec. Lopez said the DSWD also extended support to families who were affected by recent fire incidents in Central Visayas.
“Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Department has mobilized its resources to provide immediate relief, including food aid, and other non-food items to help the affected households,” Asst. Sec. Lopez explained.
More than Php 85,000 worth of food packs and financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program were given to some 34 families or 132 individuals whose houses were razed at Sitio Kawayan in Barangay Quiot, Cebu City last January 18.
In a separate fire incident four weeks ago in Barangay Ubojan, in Loon, Bohol, the DSWD provided the affected family with food packs, and a set of family, kitchen, sleeping, and hygiene kits amounting to more than Php 6,700.
“We are also coordinating with the LGU of Cebu City to gather additional information on another fire incident in Barangay Pahina Central,” Asst. Sec. Lopez said.
The February 14 fire in the said barangay affected approximately 66 families or more than 290 individuals.
“These affected families will be referred to our AICS program for possible provision of financial assistance,” the agency spokesperson said.
Asst. Sec. Lopez reiterated that the primary concern of the DSWD is the well-being of the affected families by providing them with the essential support during these challenging times.