TACLOBAN: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed PHP24.94 million in assistance to families severely impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, also known internationally as Trami, in the Eastern Visayas region.
According to Philippines News Agency, a report from DSWD Region 8 indicated that as of October 24, the funding covered the distribution of 32,296 family food packs (FFPs) and 842 non-food items (NFIs) to families affected by the resultant flooding. Joshua Kempis, the DSWD-8 information officer, stated in a phone interview that this aid represents the initial phase, as assessments are still underway two days after the storm passed through the region.
“The agency’s monitoring is still continuing to ensure that all requests for augmentation and necessary assistance from the affected local government units are being responded,” Kempis noted.
The DSWD has earmarked PHP116.11 million for additional relief efforts, pending requests from local government units. Families in E
astern Samar’s towns of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, and San Policarpo are among the recipients. In Samar province, aid has reached families in Calbayog City, Gandara, Matuguinao, Daram, Hinabangan, Motiong, Pinabacdao, San Jorge, San Jose de Buan, Sta. Margarita, Talalora, Zumarraga, and Catbalogan City.
Furthermore, FFPs were provided to residents in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar; Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte; Naval, Biliran; and Dulag Calubian, Villaba, Bato, and Hilongos in Leyte province. Each FFP, valued at PHP500, includes 6 kg of rice, four cans of corned beef, two cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of energy drink. The NFIs distributed encompass sleeping kits, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, laminated sacks, plastic mats, modular tents, and kitchen utensils.
Under Republic Act 10121, known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, local governments are designated as first responders, with the DSWD providing additional supp
ort post-disaster. The DSWD is collaborating with other members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to expedite the distribution of aid.
The storm impacted 528,103 individuals across 717 villages in Eastern Visayas, with the three Samar provinces among the most severely affected areas.