BAGUIO: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) is actively enhancing relief efforts by supplying additional humanitarian resources to local government units affected by severe weather conditions. This initiative aims to support communities in the region that have been impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Maria Aplaten announced that half of the 1,400 requested food and non-food supply augmentations were delivered to the local government of Kibungan, Benguet. Additionally, preparations are underway to transport approximately 800 family food packs to Mountain Province. The national operations center of the DSWD has also contributed by sending 1,700 relief items to the Cordillera region, supplementing the local supply.
These relief efforts are in addition to pre-positioned items that were distributed to local government-managed warehouses prior to the landfall of Severe Tropical
Storm Kristine. Aplaten reassured that there are ample relief supplies available at the regional warehouse and various provincial hubs. As of Friday morning, DSWD-CAR records indicate that 973 families, comprising 3,407 individuals, are residing in 88 evacuation centers, while 405 families, with 1,417 individuals, are temporarily staying with relatives and friends.
Ongoing community assessments by field personnel are being conducted to ensure comprehensive assistance reaches all affected individuals. Aplaten emphasized the importance of these validations in providing necessary support to those in need.