The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office VI, continues to reach out to the survivors and bereaved families of casualties of the three boats that capsized at the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait on August 3, 2019.

The FO, in coordination with the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), immediately assisted the survivors by providing blankets, towels, malong, and clothing. It also facilitated the provision of medical assistance to those who were taken to hospitals for treatment through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

In addition, FO VI distributed 504 family food packs (FFPs) to the crew of stranded vessels in Iloilo and Guimaras whose trips were cancelled due to the accident and inclement weather. They are from four pump boat associations composed of Jordan Motor Banca Cooperative (JMDC), Buenavista Motorbanca Owner’s Association (BAMOSA), Association of Buenavista Ferry Service provider (ABFSP), and Buenavista Development Cooperative.

On the other hand, burial assistance of P20,000 will be extended to each bereaved family. As per latest report of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Western Visayas, there are 31 confirmed casualties.

FO VI also deployed social workers to assist the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Guimaras and the Department of Health (DOH) in further assessing the needs of the victims and in conducting psychosocial intervention, respectively.

The Department is saddened by the incident and offers its condolences to the families of those who passed on. -30-