Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - Cordillera region has provided PHP56.83 million worth of humanitarian relief items to over 87,000 families impacted by tropical cyclones and monsoon rains in August, as confirmed by the agency on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Novelle Ongat, information officer of the DSWD-Cordillera Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the supplies were intended to supplement the resources of local government units (LGUs) and other organizations that are assisting the affected communities. Ongat highlighted that the DSWD's assistance acted as an augmentation to the efforts of LGUs and other organizations supporting the victims.

The relief package included essential items such as family food packs, ready-to-eat food, water, modular tents, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, laminated sacks, and sleeping kits. Among the affected areas, Benguet received the largest share of aid, with PHP29.77 million worth of food items distributed, followed by Abra with PHP17.49 million and Baguio City receiving PHP4.02 million. These regions have been grappling with persistent heavy rains for more than a month.

In response to the severe weather conditions, Malaca±ang suspended classes at all levels in Baguio, Benguet, and Abra on Friday, as these areas faced orange rainfall warning conditions, indicating rainfall between 100 mm and 200 mm. Relief supplies were also dispatched to Mountain Province and Ifugao, while Apayao received assistance from DSWD - Cagayan Valley due to its geographical proximity to the Cagayan Valley region.

Ongat reported that the total value of humanitarian assistance tracked by DSWD-Cordillera reached PHP80.27 million, which includes contributions from partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and LGUs. The aid was distributed to displaced families residing in evacuation centers, those temporarily sheltered with relatives and friends, and other families impacted by the rains.

The reported figures from NGOs and LGUs only account for assistance reported to and monitored by DSWD-Cordillera, Ongat clarified, noting that additional aid, especially from local governments, was not included in the total.

Beyond material assistance, DSWD personnel are also offering psychosocial support and conducting welfare checks among the affected families. Ongat explained that these welfare checks involve engaging with families to understand their immediate needs and providing necessary assistance. Such interactions, she noted, offer comfort to families forced to abandon their homes due to the inclement weather.

Ongat emphasized the importance of 'kumustahan,' or checking in with people, which is a crucial part of DSWD-Cordillera's support mechanism for its field personnel who are working under challenging conditions. Regular 'kumustahan' sessions within DSWD provide social welfare officers with an opportunity to unwind and feel supported by their organization.