Over P1.2B in aid distributed to Habagat, cyclone victims — DSWD

Over P1.2 billion in assistance has been distributed so far to individuals affected by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday.

“The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to coordinate with various local government units affected by the recent Typhoons Luis, Maymay, and Neneng and, of course, the Southwest Monsoon,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

“...The assistance distributed to those affected by these weather systems has reached over P1.2 billion. This consists of more than 1.9 million family food packs,” she added.

According to Dumlao, the agency has already augmented its family food packs in different areas across the country. The assistance also includes ready-to-eat food packs and non-food items.

She added that over P14.3 million in financial assistance has already been disbursed to affected individuals.

The DSWD said it currently has a national stockpile of more than 3.6 million food packs prepositioned in its warehouses. Dumlao said production of the packs continues daily.

In recent weeks, continuous heavy rains affected many communities and inundated various areas across the country due to the Habagat and the three tropical cyclones.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 7.6 million people had been affected by the combined effects of the weather systems, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

The agency reported 29 deaths, 19 injuries, and three people missing due to the severe weather.

Fatalities were recorded in Benguet, La Union, Rizal, Batangas, Quezon City, Oriental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, and Caloocan. Benguet recorded the highest number of deaths, with 15.— MCG, GMA News