DSWD: P339-M worth of aid released to typhoon-hit victims in Bicol

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed more than P339 million worth of aid to typhoon victims in the Bicol Region.

According to a statement issued by DSWD on Thursday, assistance included Family Food Packs (FFPs) and non-food items that were distributed to at least 462,969 families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Over P20.91 million financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) were also distributed in affected areas.

“In four days time, nai-deliver po agad natin sa Naga City ang 35,000 family food packs (FFPs) kasama po yung six liters bottled waters at iba pang non-food items para sa siyudad ng Naga. Lahat po ng pangangailangan at request ng lahat po ng mga kababayan natin sa Bicol ay naipaabot na po natin sa kanila,” said DSWD Field Office 5 – Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio.

(In four days' time, we were able to immediately deliver 35,000 family food packs, including 6 liters of bottled water and other non-food items, to Naga City. All the needs and requests of our countrymen in Bicol have been provided to them.)

“Dalawang araw po matapos tumama ang bagyong Kristine sa Bicol Region, binisita po agad tayo ng ating butihing Secretary Rex Gatchalian, kasama po mismo ang ating magaling at aktibo rin na Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao… Pumunta po kami sa evacuation centers para tingnan at alamin kung ano pa ang pangangailangan ng Naga,” he added.

(Two days after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine hit the Bicol Region, Secretary Rex Gatchalian immediately visited us with our Assistant Secretary Irene Dumalo… We visited evacuation centers to see and identify what else Naga needed.)

The aid was distributed under the directives of the Philippine Government and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the assistance of the Indonesian government, Malaysian Air Force, and Brunei.

Meanwhile, President Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also distributed Presidential Assistance cash aid to affected families in Camarines Sur and Albay.

Psychological and Psychosocial support has also been provided to individuals in evacuation centers. — BAP, GMA Integrated News