The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remains on high alert in responding to the needs of families and individuals affected by the southwest monsoon or habagat and the low pressure area (LPA) that brought heavy downpour in various parts of the country since August 22.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that aid is delivered without delay.
“The DSWD is on high alert to ensure that all those in need are immediately assisted. We have prepositioned relief goods in our warehouses and are working hand in hand with local government units (LGUs) for faster distribution,” Dumlao, also the DSWD spokesperson, said on Wednesday.
As of this posting, the DSWD said it has already extended more than P2.8 million worth of assistance to affected families and individuals, including family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items.
Based on the latest report of the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC), a total of 9,445 families or 42,858 persons in 72 barangays in Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen have been affected.
Dumlao also reassured the public that the agency’s field offices are ready to provide continuous support. “We will not stop until our countrymen recover from the effects of weather disturbances,” she said.
The DSWD currently maintains more than P2.1 billion worth of stockpiles and standby funds ready for immediate augmentation to affected LGUs.
