Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided 309,284 family food packs (FFPs) to families and communities impacted by recent major weather disturbances, an agency official reported.
According to Philippines News Agency, this figure represents the latest cumulative tally of FFPs distributed to local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical Cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized that while the volume is substantial, distribution efforts continue in compliance with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
The largest allocations of FFPs were made to the Bicol Region with 82,553 packs, Western Visayas with 52,094, and Ilocos Region with 43,974. Other distributions included Eastern Visayas with 36,178 FFPs, Cagayan Valley with 32,141, and Central Luzon with 18,200, among other regions.
Dumlao indicated that the numbers are expected to rise as the DSWD intensifies efforts to assist families in hard-to-reach areas affected by Opong. In addition to food packs, the DSWD is distributing non-food items (NFIs) to aid displaced families.
A total of 1,240,758 families, or 4,517,474 individuals, have been affected by the recent weather events, according to the 6 a.m. Disaster Response Operations Management Information Communication (DROMIC) report. There are currently 20,622 families, or 74,283 individuals, taking shelter in 940 evacuation centers across various regions.
Dumlao reported that mobile kitchens from the DSWD's Field Offices are operational to assist LGUs in providing hot meals to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The DSWD's Mobile Command Centers (MCC) enhance coordination for response and recovery efforts, providing stable internet and electricity in disaster-stricken areas.
Furthermore, the DSWD Field Office 5 has deployed a mobile water treatment unit in Masbate City to ensure clean water access for evacuees. Dumlao noted that the DSWD maintains 2.4 million FFPs and PHP379 million in stand-by funds to support ongoing response efforts.