Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed 195,152 family food packs to local government units (LGUs) in the Visayas and Mindanao, aiming to aid families displaced by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi).
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group announced that the Caraga Region received the highest number of packs, totaling 54,684, followed by Western Visayas with 47,563, and Eastern Visayas with 41,905.
Food packs were also sent to other regions including Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Negros Island, and Central Visayas. Dumlao highlighted that up to 200,000 family food packs have been distributed to various LGUs requesting augmentation support, with numbers expected to rise as relief efforts continue.
To further assist families who cannot cook, the DSWD provided ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes to several regions. Calabarzon received 683 boxes, Bicol Region 544, and Western Visayas 198. Additionally, regions such as Negros Island, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Caraga received RTEF boxes following their requests for support. Mobile kitchens have also been deployed to provide hot meals to displaced families.
Based on the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center report, Typhoon Tino has severely impacted several provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao. Cebu province was notably affected, with 10,564 families or 48,105 individuals displaced by floods and landslides. Approximately 5,564 families are currently sheltered in 111 evacuation centers across Cebu.
Other areas affected include Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Dinagat Islands, and Southern Leyte. Dumlao mentioned that declaring a state of national calamity would facilitate accelerated aid distribution, as it would mobilize all national government assets and resources.
The declaration would also ensure the expedited release of the quick response fund (QRF) by the Department of Budget and Management, crucial for sustained disaster aid and preparation for potential future calamities. Despite recent natural disasters, Dumlao affirmed the DSWD’s capability for continued disaster response, emphasizing their role in prepositioning and distributing aid.
As of the latest report, the DSWD has PHP627.016 million in standby funds and over 2 million family food packs available.
