Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and partner organizations, has extended humanitarian aid valued at PHP11.4 million to families affected by Tropical Storm Ada, internationally known as Nokaen.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) reported that approximately PHP11.1 million of the total assistance originated from the DSWD, with PHP230,145 contributed by LGUs and PHP64,000 from other partners. The DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Communication (DROMIC) report highlighted that the storm has impacted 165,702 families or 553,703 individuals across 855 barangays in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga.

Currently, 5,084 families or 18,615 individuals remain displaced, residing either in evacuation centers or with relatives and friends. Dumlao emphasized that DSWD field offices in the three regions are actively engaged in disaster response operations.

DSWD spokesperson Dumlao stated, "The DSWD continues its 24/7 monitoring along with the immediate deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and relief resources. We are ready to respond to the needs of the families affected by Ada." Family food packs (FFPs) and Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) boxes have been distributed to meet immediate needs on the ground.

Specialized disaster response vehicles have been deployed to supply urgent food and non-food items to affected families and individuals. To support ongoing relief efforts, Dumlao noted that the DSWD has significant standby resources, including PHP32.15 million in Quick Response Fund (QRF) at the Central Office, PHP9.89 million available at field offices in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga, and an additional PHP32.96 million from other field offices available for inter-field office augmentation.

Moreover, the DSWD has stockpiled 2.8 million FFPs prepositioned in disaster response centers and field offices nationwide, along with PHP1.33 billion worth of Food and Non-Food Items (FNIs) ready for distribution. As relief and monitoring operations continue, Dumlao urged the public to remain vigilant and rely on official advisories for disaster updates.