The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol has extended more than PHP100 million in assistance to regions affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Enteng.”

According to the latest report from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC), the agency has provided PHP106,942,808.81 in aid to families across the Bicol Region since disaster response efforts began on September 1, 2024.

The assistance has reached 302,887 families across the six provinces affected by the storm. Among those assisted were stranded passengers at various ports throughout the region, with over PHP177,000 worth of aid provided to 3,936 stranded families in collaboration with local government units.

As of this writing, a total of 151,457 family food packs (FFPs), valued at PHP106,031,921.81, have been distributed to affected families. Under the directive of Regional Director Norman Laurio, DSWD Bicol has also extended financial aid to families who lost loved ones during the storm in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Additionally, financial assistance was provided to 22 families in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, whose boats were damaged by the storm.

In its intensified relief operations, DSWD Bicol, working alongside local government units, reached isolated communities, including the Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte, where more than 2,500 families received relief aid.

Other remote and geographically isolated areas in Donsol, Sorsogon, also received over 500 FFPs for families affected by the disaster. DSWD Bicol continues its relief efforts, ensuring that every family affected by the storm receives the necessary assistance.

Currently, 100,000 additional family food packs are being delivered to regional warehouses and prepositioning sites, with support from the DSWD Central Office’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center.

These stockpiles are part of the agency’s preparedness for possible disasters, particularly during the ongoing typhoon season. As of now, DSWD Bicol has more than PHP210 million in standby funds and relief supplies ready for deployment. The agency remains in constant coordination with local governments to ensure a swift and efficient response to those in need.

Under the leadership of Regional Director Norman Laurio, following the instructions of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Bicol remains committed to leading disaster response operations, prioritizing the safety and welfare of affected communities, and providing immediate relief to those in distress.###