Eastern Samar: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already delivered over 9,000 family food packs (FFPs) to Eastern Samar as part of its augmentation support for families affected by recent flooding caused by the shear line.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of Sunday afternoon, approximately 9,292 FFPs have been transported to Eastern Samar, specifically targeting the towns of Taft, San-avid, San Policarpo, and Borongan City.

“Currently, the agency is continuing to coordinate with other local government units to ensure that assistance is provided to others in need,” the DSWD Eastern Visayas regional office said in a statement on Monday.

The DSWD central office announced on March 22 that Secretary Rex Gatchalian has already directed its field office in Eastern Visayas to promptly deliver over 23,000 family food packs to Eastern Samar province.

Each FFP includes 6 kg of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drinks.

The DSWD reported that heavy rains have battered Eastern Visayas in recent days, causing widespread flooding and displacing 1,665 families or 6,288 persons, who are currently taking temporary shelter in evacuation centers or staying with their relatives or friends.

The DSWD’s field office stated it has been actively monitoring the situation and working closely with local government units to assess the needs of flood-affected families.

Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, local governments are the first responders, and the DSWD must augment the response efforts after disasters.