DSWD sends P26.9-M aid to flood-hit families in Mindanao
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended more than P26.9 million worth of humanitarian aid to families affected by torrential rains and flooding in some parts of Mindanao.
According to DSWD Asst. Secretary for Strategic Communications and Spokesperson Romel Lopez , 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 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 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.
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,” Lopez said.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian met with the local chief executives of Davao Oriental on Saturday 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,” Lopez said.
During his visit to the province, Gatchalian has assured the affected population that the DSWD would facilitate the release of financial assistance to cover their other needs.
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.
As of February 5, the DSWD recorded a total of 309,090 affected families or more than one million individuals from different localities in Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga regions, according to Lopez.
The official noted that 108,275 families or some 410,771 persons were displaced and currently taking temporary shelter in designated evacuation centers and residence of their relatives or friends.
