The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has delivered over 80,000 family food packs (FFPs) to families in Masbate province affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), ensuring immediate relief to households still recovering from the storm’s impact, as shared in this PNA report.
In a report released Monday, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio confirmed that all 20 local government units (LGUs) in Masbate received assistance. The relief effort covered both food and non-food needs, coordinated closely with local disaster response offices to speed up distribution and reach far-flung barangays.
Food and Non-Food Assistance Distributed
Aside from the 80,000 FFPs, the DSWD also provided water filtration systems, hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, malongs, mosquito nets, and jerry cans to help families maintain sanitation and safety during displacement.
“These supplies are essential for daily survival and for preventing illness in temporary shelters,” Laurio said, adding that the department continues to monitor the situation in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Each family food pack contains rice, canned goods, instant coffee, and other essentials designed to sustain a family for several days. According to DSWD, more shipments are being prepared in case of extended relief operations or worsening weather conditions.
Support Beyond Bicol
In a demonstration of inter-regional cooperation, DSWD Bicol also provided 1,000 family tents to DSWD Central Visayas as additional support for families displaced by the recent earthquake in Cebu.
A total of ten trucks have been deployed to transport these tents and other non-food items to Cebu, with logistical assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Naval Forces Southern Luzon.
“The operation ensured the timely delivery of critical assistance to communities recovering from the impact of the typhoon,” the report stated, highlighting the agency’s ongoing coordination with military and civic partners to fast-track relief efforts across regions.
Private and Legislative Aid Efforts
In addition to government support, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon facilitated the transport of 10,000 additional family food packs donated by the offices of Senators Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino.
The collaboration between DSWD and private offices demonstrates a shared commitment to address urgent humanitarian needs while complementing official relief programs. These contributions helped extend assistance to more barangays that were cut off by floods and landslides in the aftermath of Opong.
Continuing Relief and Recovery
As weather conditions stabilize, the DSWD is now shifting from emergency relief to early recovery planning. Damage assessments are ongoing, with local governments identifying families eligible for cash-for-work programs, emergency shelter assistance, and livelihood grants.
The department assured that relief goods remain prepositioned in its regional warehouses to prepare for possible aftereffects of Opong and future disasters during the typhoon season.
“We are ensuring that no family is left behind in our relief and recovery operations,” Laurio emphasized.