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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has distributed PHP56.5 million worth of family food packs as an immediate response to the families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in the Bicol region.
DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio said Friday the response efforts are under the directives of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that no one should be left unassisted during this challenging time.
‘To ensure timely assistance, the Social Welfare and Development Offices (SWADOs) and City/Municipal SWAD Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in the six provinces are closely coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) for status reports and updates,’ Laurio said in an interview.
He said the agency is committed to reaching affected families, especially in isolated areas, to provide the necessary support.
‘DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Camarines Sur to check on the situation of the individual displaced persons at the evacuation cent
ers and to personally oversee the relief distribution,’ Laurio noted.
He said Gatchalian visited evacuation centers in the Pili Provincial Capitol and Naga City, where he engaged with families who suffered the brunt of the storm.
Laurio said his team is actively coordinating with provincial and local officials to facilitate relief efforts and other essential interventions, including the coordination of rescue operations with the Office of Civil Defense.
Based on the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, DSWD-5 still has a total of PHP196.7 million in standby funds and stockpiles.
The department had prepositioned 89,227 family food packs worth PHP63.3 million in strategic locations throughout the Bicol Region.
The agency also distributed PHP622,844 worth of hot meals to stranded passengers at various ports in the region.
‘The Disaster Response Management Division of the DSWD is working around the clock to monitor the situation and provide additional support as necessary,’ Laurio
said.
NorMin sends help
Meanwhile, public and private organizations and student groups in Northern Mindanao mobilized Friday to gather aid for the Bicol Region.
The Office of Civil Defense-10 (OCD-10) sent relief items, including family packs, hygiene kits, blankets and two water filtration units.
The Air Force and Army’s 4th Infantry Division provided transport support, while student groups from Mindanao State University and University of the Philippines Mindanao launched donation drives.
Source: Philippines News agency
