On Sunday, September 8, 2024, under the directives of Regional Director Norman Laurio, personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol Field Office provided family food packs (FFPs) and other relief assistance to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Enteng.

The aid was delivered to three island barangays—Pinagtigasan, Banocboc, and Mangcawayan—in the Municipality of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.

These barangays, part of the Calaguas group of islands located approximately 40 km from the provincial capital, are accessible via the ports of Poblacion Vinzons and Paracale. They were among the hardest-hit areas by STS Enteng. More than 1,850 families in these areas were affected, with many experiencing damages to their boats, disrupting their livelihoods.

DSWD Bicol provided over PHP 2 million in assistance to these families. This initiative reflects the Department’s ultimate commitment to aid families in need, regardless of time or location.

Additionally, DSWD Bicol continues its distribution efforts across the region. As of this press time, the agency has distributed over PHP 57 million in humanitarian aid across six provinces.

Under RD Laurio’s leadership, DSWD Bicol remains ready to assist areas severely impacted by the disaster.###