Naga City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office 5 in the Bicol Region has allocated over PHP339 million in humanitarian aid to those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. The aid has reached numerous families and individuals grappling with the aftermath of the storm.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD FO 5 Regional Director Norman Laurio reported during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum that 35,000 family food packs, complete with six liters of bottled water and other non-food items, were swiftly delivered to Naga City within four days. This response was part of efforts to address the needs and requests of the affected Bicol residents. Laurio highlighted that the humanitarian assistance has been extended to 462,969 families.

The DSWD FO-5 also disbursed PHP20.91 million in financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). Laurio stressed the significance o
f the whole-of-government approach led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which played a vital role in disaster response operations, especially in reaching isolated, flood-affected areas.

Two days post-storm, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao were dispatched to Camarines Sur to assess the situation and oversee relief efforts, as directed by President Marcos. Laurio noted that nearly all government branches, including the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force, and Bureau of Fire Protection, were involved in the relief operations. President Marcos’s presence in the region underscored the coordinated national effort to support Camarines Sur and Albay.

President Marcos also sanctioned the use of the presidential chopper and other air assets from the Philippine Air Force, with additional support from the Indonesian government, Malaysian Air Force, and Brunei, to deliver food and relief supplies to remote areas. Furthermore, on Novembe
r 6, PHP50 million in cash aid was distributed by Marcos and Gatchalian to farmers, fisherfolk, and their families in Camarines Sur and Albay.

In addition to these efforts, social workers from various Field Offices, including Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Central Visayas, supplemented the DSWD Bicol Region’s camp coordination and management operations. Laurio mentioned that personnel from these offices provide psychological support to individuals in evacuation centers and assist in camp management.

Lastly, the DSWD FO-5, through its Protective Services Division, extended psychosocial support to the families mourning the loss of loved ones during the storm.

Source: Philippines News Agency