The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended more than Php 26.9 million worth of humanitarian aid to families affected by torrential rains and flooding incidents in some parts of Mindanao.
DSWD Asst. Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez reported on Monday (February 5) that the DSWD has distributed food and non-food items to the families hit by the shear line and trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) in the Davao and Caraga regions.
“Following the instruction of President Marcos to Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency has been in constant coordination with the local government units to ensure that the needs of the affected population will be immediately addressed,” Asst. Sec. Lopez, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.
According to the DSWD spokesperson, more than 41,100 family food packs (FFPs) were distributed to the families affected by the weather disturbances in the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Sur, and Davao City.
“The department also provided sleeping kits and modular tents to the affected families in Compostela town, Davao de Oro,” Asst. Sec. Lopez said.
Asst. Sec. Lopez also pointed out that Secretary Gatchalian met with the local chief executives of Davao Oriental on Saturday (February 3) before overseeing the relief distribution in Governor Genoroso town, as well as inspections of the designated evacuation sites in the towns of Manay, Caraga, and Gov. Genoroso.
“The Secretary flew to the province so he could see firsthand what needs to be done in terms of helping the flood-affected residents of the different localities,” Asst. Sec. Lopez said.
The agency spokesperson noted that Sec. Gatchalian, during his visit to the province, assured the affected population that the DSWD would facilitate the release of financial assistance to cover their other needs.
“The DSWD assures that we will continue to supply affected families with food packs, while financial aid will also be extended, following the instructions of President Marcos,” Asst. Sec. Lopez said.
The DSWD continues to deliver relief items to the affected local government units (LGUs) of Lupon and Gov. Generoso towns in Davao Oriental through the help of the Philippine Navy and Air Force.
“Secretary Gatchalian extends his gratitude to these government agencies for providing us with logistical support to move our department’s food packs to areas that have been cut off from the road networks,’ the DSWD spokesperson said.
As of February 5, the DSWD recorded a total of 309,090 affected families or more than 1 million individuals from different localities in Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga regions, according to Asst. Sec. Lopez
Of these, the agency spokesperson noted that 108,275 families or some 410,771 persons were displaced and currently taking temporary shelter in designated evacuation centers and the residence of their relatives or friends.
