DSWD assistance to cyclone, 'habagat' victims reaches P1.16 billion
People wade through knee-deep floodwaters in Vista Verde Executive Village on July 21, 2025, following heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon or “habagat.” (Photo by John Louie Abrina/MB)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended a total of P1.16 billion in aid to families and individuals affected by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong.
As of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, DSWD has distributed 1.7 million family food packs, along with non-food relief items and financial assistance to communities affected by the weather systems, said DSWD-Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
“Patuloy pa rin ang aming koordinasyon sa mga lokal na pamahalaan dahil mayroon pa ring mga pamilya na nasa loob ng evacuation centers (We continue to coordinate with local government units as there are still families staying in evacuation centers),” she said.
In addition to food packs, the agency also distributed non-food relief supplies and cash aid to habagat-affected regions.
“Despite our extensive response, the DSWD still maintains a sufficient amount of prepositioned resources, with P2.18 billion worth of stockpiles and standby funds ready for immediate augmentation to local government units (LGUs),” Dumlao said.
On Tuesday, Aug. 5, DSWD field offices continued the delivery of relief goods to communities affected by flooding and heavy rains.
Other regional offices remain in close coordination with LGUs to monitor local needs.
Based on the latest report from the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication, a total of 8,458 families, or 31,822 individuals, are currently staying in 334 evacuation centers across several regions.
These evacuees continue to receive aid from the DSWD, through their respective LGUs until they are able to return to their homes.