MATNOG, SORSOGON — In the wake of a deadly landslide triggered by continuous heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm #AdaPH, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region immediately mobilized its humanitarian response to assist the families affected in Barangay Bariis, Matnog, Sorsogon. The incident claimed the lives of a 22-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, injured several residents, and left three families displaced after soil collapse struck a residential area.

Responding without delay, DSWD Bicol, under the leadership of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, deployed the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team of Sorsogon on January 18, 2026, to distribute kitchen kits, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and three Family Food Packs (FFPs) per family, with a total assistance amounting to ₱17,520.00. These relief items aim to support the immediate needs of the affected households as they begin to recover from the tragedy.

Earlier, DSWD Crisis Intervention Services (CIS) social workers also provided Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) to help families cope with grief and emotional distress. Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program, funeral assistance will likewise be extended to the bereaved families to help ease the burden of burial expenses.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian further instructed the DSWD Field Office V to continue to closely coordinate with concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure the urgent delivery of necessary support and services to families affected by Tropical Storm Ada. This is in support of the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ensure that government assistance reaches every Filipino in need, especially in times of emergencies and disasters.

The Department remains steadfast in providing timely, compassionate, and efficient relief to disaster-affected communities.