Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has extended more than PHP40 million in assistance to families affected by recent weather disturbances. Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5’s Disaster Response Management Division, stated that this aid is part of the ongoing response to the effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 has secured over PHP226 million in standby funds and has prepositioned relief supplies, including 185,889 family food packs and 26,786 non-food items, ready for immediate deployment. A total of 176,972 families, or 747,244 individuals, across the six provinces of the Bicol Region have been impacted.

Villareal mentioned that the agency has mobilized resources and is working closely with local government units to address the needs of the affected communities.

Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 residents in the coastal town of Calabanga received rice assistance from the Ako Bicol Party-li
st this week due to the recent weather conditions. Sally Luces, media affairs officer for Ako Bicol, reported that the beneficiaries were from the coastal communities of barangays Sabang, Salvacion Baybay, and San Roque, which have been hit hard by strong waves and adverse weather that disrupted fishing and local livelihoods.

In Sabang, 986 sacks of rice, each containing 10 kg, were distributed. In Salvacion Baybay, 456 recipients received aid, while 460 benefited in San Roque. Luces noted that most of the recipients were fisherfolk and vendors who have been unable to work due to high tide and dangerous sea conditions.

The rice distribution is part of Ako Bicol’s ongoing disaster response initiatives throughout the region.