As Tropical Depression Samuel continues to head towards Sulu Sea, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ensures continuous coordination with local government and disaster response offices to provide the necessary assistance to affected residents.

Based on the consolidated report prepared by the DSWD Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB), 17,141 families or 61,574 persons were affected in 128 barangays in Regions V and VIII.

In Region VII, there were nine cities and towns which implemented pre-emptive evacuation, however, because of the improved weather condition in Bohol, all evacuation centers are now closed and only two evacuation camps remain open in Cebu.

“We would like to report that since affected local government units (LGUs) still have enough resources to cover for the needs of their affected constituents, the DSWD only provided assistance in Western Samar amounting to P 47,880.00,” DSWD Spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova said.

“The regional disaster response team in our Field Office in MIMAROPA also remains in heightened alert since Palawan is still under Signal No. 1. We are also monitoring the condition of stranded passengers in ports in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority since sea trips are still suspended,” reported Asec. Relova.  ###