Manila: Disaster-affected families do not need to present a certificate of indigency to receive humanitarian assistance during calamities and emergencies, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) emphasized that local government units (LGUs), as the frontline responders to disasters, are responsible for identifying and assessing the number of affected individuals and families in their respective jurisdictions. Dumlao stated in a radio interview that there is no requirement to present a certificate of indigency for humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts.

The DSWD provides augmentation and technical assistance to affected LGUs to help them respond to emergencies and calamities. As of Tuesday afternoon, the DSWD has provided more than PHP1.2 billion worth of humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.

Dumlao further detailed that the assistance delivered to affected families included about 1.9 million family food packs (FFPs), ready-to-eat food boxes, non-food items, and financial assistance amounting to PHP14.4 million for severely affected families. The DSWD remains committed to ensuring that families affected by recent weather disturbances receive necessary assistance and support, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.

"We in the DSWD will continue to collaborate and work with the affected LGUs to determine the additional assistance needed and, of course, to immediately support our countrymen," Dumlao said.