DSWD provides PHP202M aid for disaster-affected families

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over PHP202 million in aid to families affected by recent disasters such as Tropical Depression Bising, the southwest monsoon or 'habagat', intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and volcanic activities from Mt. Kanlaon.

Director Maria Isabel Lanada of DSWD's Disaster Response Management Bureau reported that more than 167,000 boxes of family food packs and essential non-food items have been delivered to affected families across several regions.

The aid includes PHP8.5 million for Bising-affected families, PHP1.7 million for ITCZ-affected families, and PHP192 million for those impacted by Mt. Kanlaon's volcanic activities.

Lanada emphasized that the DSWD is prepared to respond promptly with adequate stockpiles of three million family food packs prepositioned in warehouses nationwide.

The agency maintains over PHP141 million in standby funds, including a Quick Response Fund and available funds at field offices across the country.