Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than PHP1.36 billion in humanitarian assistance to families affected by the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, as well as the southwest monsoon or 'habagat.'

According to Philippines News Agency, as of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Communication (DROMIC) reported that the DSWD has delivered a total of PHP1.36 billion worth of family food packs (FFPs), ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, financial assistance, and other food and non-food items (FNFIs).

In a news release, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated that the Department has also offered critical social protection services to affected individuals, including assistance to 739 children through child-friendly spaces, 31 individuals through women-friendly spaces, and 210 through psychological first aid. Additionally, three mobile kitchens deployed by the DSWD Field Offices (FOs) have served a total of 1,629 individuals.

Dumlao mentioned that the DSWD FOs in all affected regions continue to distribute relief assistance to families impacted by the recent weather disturbances. On Tuesday, FO 1 (Ilocos Region) facilitated the distribution of FFPs in various cities and municipalities in Pangasinan, as well as through the Provincial Government of La Union. Similarly, DSWD FO 2 (Cagayan Valley) continued to provide FNFIs to all affected families.

In Central Luzon, the DSWD FO 3 distributed FFPs in Dinalupihan, Bataan, while FO Mimaropa delivered food packs to residents of Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. In the Visayas, FO 6 (Western Visayas) distributed RTEF boxes in Pototan, Iloilo, and FFPs in Mina, Zarraga, and Leon, Iloilo.

Dumlao emphasized that the distribution of family food packs and other necessary relief assistance is ongoing for those affected by rains and floods. She reiterated that the DSWD's response efforts continue despite the typhoons having left the country, with ongoing monitoring and coordination with partner local government units (LGUs).

The latest DROMIC report indicated that the DSWD has 3.635 million FFPs prepositioned nationwide, with more than PHP610 million in standby funds still available. Recent data showed that 21,852 families, or 81,307 individuals, remain displaced due to the recent weather disturbances.