DSWD provides PHP70M aid for Mindanao flood victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over PHP70 million worth of humanitarian aid, including cash payouts, to families affected by heavy rains, flooding, and landslides in Mindanao.

Food and non-food items have been distributed to more than 41,100 families across Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Sur, and Davao City, with a total of 348,546 families or 1.24 million individuals affected in 652 barangays in Regions XI, XII, and Caraga.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the agency is coordinating with local government units to address the needs of affected populations as instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., noting that P3.3 billion worth of relief resources remains available.

Over 41,100 family food packs (FFPs), sleeping kits, and modular tents have been distributed in Compostela town, Davao de Oro, among other areas, with the Philippine Navy and Air Force assisting in delivering aid to cut-off areas.

The death toll from flooding and landslides has risen to 18, while 11 were injured and three individuals are missing as of Wednesday, February 7.

On Thursday, DSWD announced it is continuing to provide cash payouts under its Emergency Cash Transfer program to families in Carmen, Davao del Norte, with around 1,680 families receiving PHP9,960 each on Wednesday.