Legazpi City, Albay — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region has extended a total of Php6,832,000.00 worth of assistance to the families of victims and survivors of vehicular accidents across the region during the first half of 2025.

From January to June, DSWD Bicol, through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), swiftly responded to the needs of Bicolanos affected by road accidents.

Among the provinces, Albay recorded the highest number of clients assisted, with 139 individuals receiving Php3,437,000. This includes support to the victims of the tragic head-on collision between a passenger bus and a truck in Polangui, Albay on May 20, 2025, which resulted in three fatalities.

This was followed by Camarines Sur, which assisted 97 clients with Php1,562,000 in aid; Masbate, with 44 individuals receiving Php854,000; and Sorsogon, which provided Php541,000 to 29 clients, including the victims of the devastating accident in Matnog that claimed three lives, the youngest being just two years old. Meanwhile, Camarines Norte assisted 16 clients amounting to Php260,000, while Catanduanes served 26 clients with a total of Php178,000 in assistance.

Of the total aid provided, Php6,077,000 was allotted for medical assistance, followed by Php652,000 for funeral assistance, Php98,000 for food assistance, and Php5,000 for transportation needs.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio emphasized that the department’s support to road accident victims goes beyond financial aid, extending to the mental and emotional well-being of affected families through the provision of psychosocial interventions.

“DSWD Bicol ensures that affected families receive the support they need, not just financially but also for their psychological and emotional health. Our ‘Angels in Red Vests’ provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support to survivors and the families of the deceased to help them cope and recover from the emotional trauma caused by these tragic incidents,” RD Laurio said.

Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD remains steadfast in delivering prompt and compassionate assistance, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that no one is left behind, especially during emergencies and crises.