Legazpi: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has distributed over PHP44 million in humanitarian aid across the region, following the destruction wrought by Super Typhoon Uwan, internationally known as Fung-wong.

According to Philippines News Agency, Norman Laurio, the DSWD-5 director, stated in an interview that alongside the 19,000 family food packs already stationed in the island province, an additional shipment of food packs has reached Catanduanes. “Earlier this morning, another 10,000 family food packs were delivered. They were loaded onto a Philippine Coast Guard vessel and unloaded in Virac, with two more trucks on the way. Many more food and non-food items are still arriving,” Laurio noted.

Laurio also mentioned that laminated sacks would be distributed to offer temporary shelter for families affected by the calamity. “We have water filtration kits available and other assistance to support our fellow Bicolanos facing the crisis due to this calamity. Rest assured, DSWD is continuously addressing the needs for both food and non-food items. We will respond to these needs as mandated, following the instructions of our President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” he added.

In Albay, the distribution included 3,000 family food packs to Tabaco City; 3,000 to Guinobatan; 2,000 to Camalig; 2,000 to Malilipot; and 1,299 to Manito. In Sorsogon, 728 family food packs were distributed, with 247 sent to Donsol, 228 to Bulusan, 130 to Gubat, and 123 to Casiguran. The Camarines Sur province, specifically San Jose and Ocampo, received 3,000 family food packs.

DSWD-5 has also extended assistance to stranded passengers at Pioduran Port, Pilar Port, and Matnog Port. The agency has reported that it retains more than PHP123 million in resources, which includes a PHP3 million standby fund and over PHP120 million worth of relief stockpiles ready for immediate deployment.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense 5 has reported that 375,043 families, or 1,325,020 individuals, have been impacted by the typhoon. An initial assessment revealed that Uwan resulted in over PHP111 million in infrastructure damage, with approximately 960 houses destroyed and 7,756 houses damaged. Additionally, at least 88 local government units are still experiencing power outages, 10 are facing water supply interruptions, and 22 are dealing with communication disruptions.