Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Monday that it has secured over PHP1.02 billion in Quick Response Fund (QRF) to provide continuous aid to families affected by disasters and future calamities. The department emphasized its ongoing commitment to support disaster-hit communities and ensure their well-being in evacuation centers.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao stated that the department maintains active monitoring and coordination with local government units that are housing internally displaced persons (IDPs). Dumlao assured that the DSWD is dedicated to providing adequate assistance to ensure that families receive necessary support and remain in good condition while residing in evacuation centers.

As per the latest report from the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication (DROMIC), approximately 16,121 families, or 56,125 individuals, are currently seeking refuge in 713 evacuation centers across Regions 1, 3, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Region 4-A, due to the repercussions of the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat'. Additionally, around 22,910 families, equivalent to 84,080 persons, are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.

DSWD is prepared to bolster local government efforts with 3.2 million family food packs (FFPs) strategically pre-positioned across the nation. Dumlao, who also serves as assistant secretary for the Disaster Response Management Group, highlighted that the DSWD's total assistance to families affected by recent tropical cyclones and the habagat has exceeded PHP2.1 billion.

The provided assistance comprises over 3 million FFPs, 21,000 non-food items, and more than 52,000 ready-to-eat meals distributed to affected families. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure sufficient government aid for individuals impacted by disasters.