DSWD distributes over 200K food packs worth PHP147.5M in Bicol

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has distributed more than 200,000 food packs worth PHP147.5 million to families affected by weather disturbances as of Friday.

Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction management division information officer, said the agency is providing assistance for families impacted by Tropical Storm Enteng, Tropical Depression Gener, and Tropical Storm Helen, along with the southwest monsoon (habagat), which caused heavy rains, floods, and landslides across six provinces in the region.

Since September 2, Camarines Sur received the highest number of food packs at 117,532 worth PHP79.7 million; followed by Camarines Norte with 41,389 worth PHP29 million; and Albay with 40,758 worth PHP28.3 million.

The DSWD continues to monitor the situation round-the-clock and coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and disaster risk reduction management offices (DRRMOs).

In addition to these supplies, DSWD-Bicol has a PHP3-million standby fund available for urgent purchases of additional food packs and non-food kits.