Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initially provided PHP720,925 in aid to families affected by Tropical Storm (TS) Ramil, an agency official said Sunday. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group stated that the initial aid comprised 382 family food packs (FFPs) and 547 ready-to-eat-food (RTEF) boxes.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dumlao emphasized the collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to deliver immediate assistance and comfort to affected families. This approach aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure swift aid during disasters. Heavy rains from Ramil have affected 14,500 families or 30,368 individuals across 147 barangays in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 5 (Bicol Region), and 6 (Western Visayas).
The report highlighted that among those affected, 3,028 families or 7,834 individuals are currently taking shelter in 131 evacuation centers across the affected regions. The DSWD anticipates more requests from LGUs for additional support, as the number of affected families may increase once data consolidation is completed and Ramil exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Dumlao reassured the availability of resources, noting that the agency has nearly two million FFPs prepositioned across warehouses nationwide. Despite challenges posed by recent major earthquakes and successive typhoons, the DSWD ensures sufficient and continuous replenishment of relief supplies. The agency remains committed to preventing hunger among Filipinos during disasters or emergencies.
In addition to food packs, the DSWD maintains over PHP169 million in stand-by funds, ready to be utilized for ongoing disaster response operations.
