Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over PHP55 million in assistance to individuals and families impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. The aid includes family food packs and non-food items distributed across several regions affected by the storm.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao announced that, as of Thursday morning, the department had distributed 71,514 family food packs and 2,134 non-food items valued at PHP55,284,894. The largest share of these food packs-43,423-was allocated to the Bicol Region, with 66,691 distributed in Eastern Visayas. Dumlao noted that the DSWD continues to produce food packs as part of ongoing disaster response efforts.
Each family food pack comprises 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 an energy drink. Dumlao stated that th
e DSWD has PHP204.3 million in standby funds and a reserve of 1,982,600 family food packs ready for distribution.
In a media forum at the DSWD Central Office, Dumlao highlighted that the agency is working in coordination with local officials, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure efficient delivery of essential food supplies during the emergency. The DSWD has also been actively producing food packs at major hubs such as the National Resource Operations Center and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center to maintain a steady supply.
On Thursday, the DSWD distributed food packs to 50 families who were evacuated preemptively from Consuelo, Santa Marcela in Apayao province, and provided 200 food packs and 186 non-food items to evacuees in Cagayan Valley. Additional distributions included 1,884 food packs to families in San Jorge, Samar province, and 2,800 food packs along with 592 non-food items to evacuees in barangays Managanaga, Aquino, Obreo, and San Vicente in Jipapa
d, Eastern Samar.