Eastern visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 8 has reassured victims of Super Typhoon Uwan in Eastern Visayas of the availability of family food boxes, despite low supplies following recent cyclones in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-8 Director Grace Subong announced that the region currently has 74,905 family food boxes stored in various warehouses, including those strategically placed in the northern and northeastern parts of Samar Island, which were severely affected by Typhoon Uwan. Although this number is below the standard requirement of 160,000 boxes, Subong confirmed that deliveries are ongoing from the DSWD Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Cebu.

Subong explained in a press briefing that they anticipate replenishing their stock within the week, despite recent delays in shipments from VRDC caused by the suspension of sea travel due to adverse weather conditions. She expressed confidence that the existing stock will be sufficient to support local government units in Northern Samar. She emphasized the importance of restoring the warehouses to full capacity once conditions normalize.

In the coming days, the DSWD-8 expects to receive an additional shipment of 80,228 family food boxes from VRDC to enhance preparedness during the rainy season. The storage facilities in the region have the capacity to hold up to 189,600 food boxes at full capacity.

Each family food box is designed to support a family of five for a day and contains essential items such as 6 kg of vacuum-sealed rice, five sachets of coffee, five cereal energy drinks, and 10 canned goods, aiding families as they recover from the typhoon’s impact.

Additionally, for those affected by Typhoon Tino, which struck the region last week, the DSWD has provided assistance valued at PHP43.88 million.