Manila: Over PHP2 million in aid has been distributed to families and individuals affected by the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, and tropical cyclones Mirasol and Nando, as reported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group stated that the aid includes 3,872 family food packs and non-food items such as family, kitchen, and sleeping kits, along with laminated sacks. These relief items have been delivered to disaster-affected areas in the provinces of Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Camarines Sur, Capiz, and Iloilo, where local government units have sought additional supplies to support their local response efforts.

The DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Information Communication report indicated that the combined effects of Mirasol, Nando, and the southwest monsoon have impacted 31,626 families or 113,094 individuals across 297 villages in regions including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

In preparation for ongoing disaster scenarios like Nando, the DSWD and relevant local government units are enhancing their coordination to ensure timely distribution of relief aid. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian shared on Facebook that 22,000 family food packs have been pre-positioned in warehouses in Batanes, ready for deployment as part of the Buong Bansa Handa (Entire Nation Ready) program. This initiative ensures prepositioned supplies in nearly 1,000 warehouses nationwide for emergencies.

The DSWD maintains PHP1.5 billion in standby funds and has stockpiles of food and non-food items across field offices. Additionally, the department’s disaster response equipment, including a mobile command center, mobile kitchen, mobile water units, and water tanker, are available for disaster response activities.