DSWD distributes PHP56.5M aid to STS Kristine victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over PHP56.5 million worth of humanitarian aid to individuals affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, with DSWD-8 distributing PHP24.94 million in relief assistance as of Friday morning.

In addition to efforts in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas, the DSWD has now distributed 9,620 family food packs (FFPs) to families affected by Tropical Storm Kristine in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and more recently in Western Visayas.

In Western Visayas alone, PHP8.4 million worth of relief assistance was extended, including PHP7.17 million in FFPs and non-food items from the DSWD and PHP1.24 million from local government units (LGUs).

The distribution includes 38,659 affected families across six regions, with damages reported to 1,446 houses - 124 destroyed and 1,322 partially damaged.

Across all regions, over PHP55 million in humanitarian aid has been distributed to support recovery efforts, covering Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Caraga region.

The DSWD continues to coordinate closely with local government units to ensure the timely distribution of these supplies, which includes hot meals and modular tents for displaced families in affected areas.