Gov’t provides P4.1M aid to families hit by Paeng —Palace

Malacañang on Saturday said that the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs), and other partners, has extended P4.1 million worth of assistance to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, which already made landfall in the Bicol region.

In a statement, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said that on the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the  government, through the DSWD, has available overall relief resources of P1.5 billion with P445.2 million standby funds and quick response fund (QRF).

The agency also has more than P1 billion worth of stockpiles ready to be distributed, the OPS said.

“According to the DSWD, there are 97,206 families affected by the tropical storm in multiple regions, with 12,304 families already sheltering in evacuation centers,” it said.

“Initial reports said there were 54 totally damaged houses and 54 partially damaged,” it added.

In an interview on Dobol B TV, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said the agency has already prepositioned, as early as Wednesday, food and non-food relief items as well as cash for those who will be hit by Paeng.

Tulfo said the DSWD will use the government’s air assets to bring relief items to areas affected by the tropical storm.

Regions affected by Paeng include Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Caraga Region, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The severe tropical storm crossed the tip of Catanduanes and made landfall in Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Quezon on Saturday morning. Paeng is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward through Sunday across Luzon.

According to its forecast track, the center of Paeng will traverse the Bicol Peninsula before crossing Calabarzon-Metro Manila-Southern Central Luzon area early Saturday afternoon.

At least 72 people were reported dead amid floods and landslides brought by Paeng, the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Saturday.

In its situation report as of 2 a.m. on October 29, the NDRRMC said there are at least 31 reported missing and 14 injured due to the storm. —KG, GMA News