DSWD deploys social workers, FFPs in Bicol after STS Kristine

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas deployed 10 social workers on Monday to assist with relief operations and manage evacuation centers in Bicol, which was hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In addition, DSWD-7 sent 13,600 family food packs (FFPs) and volunteers in Mandaue City are preparing another batch of FFPs at the Visayas Disaster Relief Center for immediate distribution to communities affected by Kristine.

The DSWD Field Office 5 - Bicol Region has distributed over PHP339 million worth of aid, including 35,000 family food packs and non-food items such as bottled water to Naga City alone.

Two days after the storm struck, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao flew to Camarines Sur upon orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who also personally visited Bicol to monitor disaster operations.

President Marcos ordered the deployment of presidential chopper and other Philippine Air Force air assets to deliver food and relief goods, while international support was provided by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.