Initial Relief Efforts for Affected Families
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided Php720,925 in initial aid to families impacted by Tropical Storm Ramil, as reported by an agency official on Sunday, October 19.
Breakdown of Relief Assistance
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, spokesperson for the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), detailed that the initial aid included 382 family food packs (FFPs) and 547 ready-to-eat-food (RTEF) boxes distributed to affected families.
“We have begun distributing initial relief aid to families affected by Tropical Storm Ramil. We are working closely with local government units (LGUs) to provide immediate assistance and support, as always instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during disasters,” said Asst. Secretary Dumlao.
Scope of Tropical Storm Ramil’s Impact
The heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Ramil have affected 14,500 families, totaling 30,368 individuals across 147 barangays in Regions 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 5 (Bicol Region), and 6 (Western Visayas). Among these, 3,028 families or 7,834 individuals are currently sheltered in 131 evacuation centers across the four regions.
Targeted Support in Bicol Region
In the Bicol Region, where sea travel was suspended, DSWD disaster response personnel promptly provided RTEF boxes to locally stranded individuals. Sorsogon, where the storm made its first landfall, also received rapid aid distribution.
Preparedness for Escalating Needs
Asst. Secretary Dumlao noted that the DSWD anticipates more requests for augmentation support from LGUs as the number of affected families is expected to rise once data consolidation is complete and Tropical Storm Ramil exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Stockpiles and Funding for Disaster Response
The DSWD is well-prepared to meet growing demands, with nearly 2 million FFPs prepositioned in warehouses nationwide. Additionally, the agency has over Php169 million in standby funds available for ongoing disaster response operations.
“Despite the DSWD’s numerous commitments due to recent major earthquakes and successive typhoons, our relief supplies are sufficient and continuously replenished. We stand in solidarity with our President in ensuring no Filipino goes hungry during disasters or emergencies,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao emphasized.
Ongoing Commitment to Disaster Relief
The DSWD continues to coordinate with LGUs to ensure timely and effective delivery of aid to those affected by Tropical Storm Ramil, reinforcing its commitment to disaster response and recovery.
Meta Description: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided Php720,925 in initial aid to families affected by Tropical Storm Ramil, including food packs and ready-to-eat meals, with ongoing support for affected regions.