Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian motors to La Union on Sunday (July 27) to check on the families affected by the recent weather disturbances and deliver the much-needed support and a bit of good energy.

The DSWD chief’s first stop was in Barangay Poro Evacuation Center in San Fernando City, where 50 individuals are temporarily taking shelter after strong winds tore through their community—roofs were blown off, trees were uprooted, and several homes were left partially or totally damaged. Some parts of the area also remain flooded, adding to the challenges faced by storm-hit families.

Secretary Gatchalian also dropped by the evacuation area at Ilocanos Elementary School, which currently shelters 79 displaced individuals. The DSWD Secretary took a moment to visit the child-friendly space, where kids had a safe and quiet place to play and rest while staying at the evacuation center.

Secretary Gatchalian, along with La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega and San Fernando City Mayor Hermenegildo Gualberto, distributed family food packs (FFPs) to affected families in both evacuation centers. (YADP)