Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the agency continues to deliver relief aid to families affected by recent weather disturbances. Thousands of individuals remain in evacuation centers across the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan, as well as in Malabon and Navotas in the National Capital Region, due to safety concerns and ongoing flooding caused by high tides.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication reported that 13,889 families, amounting to 50,514 individuals, are still housed in 540 evacuation centers across 11 regions. Gatchalian emphasized the DSWD’s commitment to collaborating with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the distribution of relief supplies to affected families, whether residing in evacuation centers or elsewhere.

The DSWD has distributed nearly 1.5 million family food packs to various LGUs, aiming to reach families impacted by the calamities. Gatchalian noted that, in some areas where floodwaters have receded, typhoon-damaged homes prevent families from returning. In regions like La Union, housing damage has left many residences uninhabitable.

In addition to standard family food packs, the DSWD has provided ready-to-eat food boxes and essential non-food relief items such as hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchen sets, and family tents. These efforts are intended to support the well-being of evacuees.

The agency is also preparing for early recovery initiatives. Gatchalian mentioned plans for emergency cash transfers to assist families in home repairs and livelihood restoration. As of Monday morning, over 1.5 million family food packs have been distributed across various regions, including the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Ilocos, among others.