The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 has distributed more than PHP 17.6 million worth of humanitarian assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Enteng in the six provinces of the Bicol Region as of September 3, 2024.

Led by Regional Director Norman Laurio, DSWD Bicol has successfully distributed more than 34,000 Family Food Packs and other essential relief items to the affected families.

Director Laurio emphasized the importance of timely and adequate support to ensure the well-being of displaced individuals.

“From the start of the operation, our personnel on the ground have been working tirelessly to continuously monitor and distribute Family Food Packs (FFPs) and other assistance to the affected families. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) offices are closely coordinating with the affected local government units to provide timely and efficient assistance to the communities in need,” Director Laurio said.

As of press time, TS “Enteng” has impacted over 44,000 families or 166,736 individuals across 355 barangays in the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes. Of this number, 1,853 families or 8,194 individuals are currently sheltered in 112 evacuation centers set up by the LGUs.

The agency has more than PHP 196 million worth of standby funds and prepositioned stockpiles in the affected municipalities, ready to support the relief needs of families impacted by TS Enteng.

DSWD Bicol remains on high alert to provide necessary and immediate aid to the typhoon-hit localities, particularly in provinces with a high incidence of displaced families.###