Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed over PHP1.9 million in relief assistance to families impacted by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). This aid comes as the department continues its efforts to support affected regions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) reported that food and non-food items (FNFIs) have been distributed in Bicol, Central Visayas, and Caraga. The DSWD anticipates that the amount of assistance will increase as Field Offices (FOs) conduct further situational analyses in their areas of responsibility.
Currently, approximately 53,570 families or 175,531 individuals are taking temporary shelter in 2,156 evacuation centers across Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga. Additionally, around 20,565 families or 65,751 individuals are staying with relatives or friends.
The DSWD has also deployed a mobile kitchen to provide hot meals to locally stranded individuals (LSIs) at Matnog Port in Sorsogon province. Dumlao emphasized the proactive measures taken by the department, including coordination with local counterparts to ensure resources are ready for augmentation if necessary. Relief items have been prepositioned in areas along Typhoon Tino’s path to facilitate swift access.
Dumlao assured the public that the department has not faced challenges in its disaster response operations, highlighting the prepositioning of relief goods under the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) program. The BBH program utilizes two supply chain mechanisms for disaster preparedness and response: a government-driven supply chain to enhance production capacities and a private sector-driven supply chain through agreements with groceries, supermarkets, manufacturers, and distributors.
The DSWD’s preparedness aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the well-being of citizens affected by calamities. Dumlao urged the public to follow government advisories for safety and coordinate with local authorities for orderly assistance distribution.
