DSWD distributes P2.2 million in aid to families affected by heavy rains in Mindanao
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over P2.2 million worth of assistance to families affected by heavy rains in Mindanao, brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
According to spokesperson DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the department has coordinated closely with local government units (LGUs) in response to President Marcos’ directive to deliver immediate assistance and support to affected communities.
Over the past week, the weather system affected families in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Dumlao said the DSWD field offices in these regions have been placed on high alert to ensure the timely distribution of family food packs and other essential non-food items to those affected.
On May 24, DSWD Field Office XII (Soccsksargen) distributed food packs to 376 families in Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, Cotabato, one of the flood-stricken areas.
In Zamboanga Del Sur, DSWD Field Office IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) also delivered relief supplies to barangays in Kumalarang, which experienced flash floods and landslides due to the heavy rains.
“So far, we’ve delivered 1,315 boxes of family food packs to affected residents in Kumalarang and Bacungan, one of the hardest-hit municipalities in Zamboanga Del Norte,” Dumlao said.
She added that the DSWD continues to coordinate with LGUs for any additional requests for resource augmentation.
Currently, DSWD field offices in Mindanao have P12 million in standby funds and 419,645 family food packs prepositioned for disaster response efforts.