In response to the directive of President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ensuring immediate relief assistance for families impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito in the province of Catanduanes, as announced by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday, November 18.
“On top of the 10,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs) that were pre-positioned before the storm, an additional 45,000 FFPs are on their way and are expected to arrive by Saturday. This assistance will continue as long as needed,” Secretary Gatchalian stated during a situation briefing with Governor Joseph Cua and members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Bicol at the Provincial Capitol Building in Virac, Catanduanes.
Among the recovery measures being implemented by the agency is the provision of financial assistance to families whose homes were either severely or partially damaged by the typhoon.
“The President has instructed me to begin processing financial aid for affected families,” Secretary Gatchalian added.
President Marcos Jr. also commended the preemptive evacuation efforts conducted by the provincial and local government units, which contributed to the zero-casualty outcome during the typhoon’s landfall.
Also present during the briefing were DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio.
“Regional Director Norman is here to oversee the continuous delivery of food aid. We are also deploying laminated sacks to address immediate shelter needs,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.
Super Typhoon Pepito made landfall in Catanduanes on November 16, affecting more than 40,000 families across the province.
As of today, the DSWD has provided PHP 6 million worth of humanitarian aid, including food and non-food items, to those affected. Ongoing coordination and response operations are being conducted to support the most severely impacted communities in the region.
Secretary Gatchalian assured the public that the government remains vigilant and ready to provide further assistance to residents of the typhoon-ravaged province.###