By Jerry Alcayde
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) has distributed a total of 162 food packs amounting to P67,716 in the municipalities of Rizal and Paluan and prepositioned goods for the municipalities of Sablayan and Mamburao in Occidental Mindoro.
DSWD-MIMAROPA Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos said that as of Thursday, the Department has recorded a total of 7,165 affected families or 32,812 affected persons in 68 barangays of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.
Of this data, a total of 1,890 families or 8,734 persons are staying in 30 evacuation centers in Occidental Mindoro. On the other hand, 591 families or 2,768 persons are currently staying with their relatives and friends.
DSWD intensifies the operation of its Quick Response Team (QRT) in responding to the needs of affected families in the two provinces due to Southwest Monsoon or ‘Habagat’ enhanced by Tropical Depression ‘Josie’.
DSWD also maintains its vigilant coordination with local government units in the distribution of relief assistance as Naviamos assured the preparedness of the Department to assist affected families in Occidental Mindoro especially after it has been declared in a state of calamity.
“The department has in its possession available stockpile of family food packs in the different DSWD offices in the region and 200 to 300 prepositioned goods per strategic cluster municipality and identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) or critical areas so that assistance can be given immediately,” said Director Naviamos.
Child-friendly spaces were also set up in evacuation centers in Occidental Mindoro to provide games, informal education and other activities for displaced children.
“In times of disaster, we shouldn’t forget the wellness of vulnerable sectors such as children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women. The department ensures that friendly spaces are provided for them,” said Naviamos.
Naviamos also reminded the public to become more vigilant especially now that the province has been declared in a state of calamity due to continuous heavy rains and flash floods.
Four casualties were reported in Sablayan and of the four casualties, two were victims of landslide, one was strucked by a falling tree; and one drowned. Two persons were reported missing in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.
“We encourage the public to remain safe. If you were advised to evacuate your place, please do so in order to avoid further casualties,” stressed Naviamos.