Calabanga, Camarines Sur – The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office V continues its relief distribution efforts to address the needs of the shear line-affected communities in the Bicol region.

On February 1, 2024, a total of Php 1,331,819.27 worth of Family Food Packs (FFPs) was distributed to 1,997 fisherfolk in the five (5) affected coastal barangays of Cabanbanan, Cagsao, Manguiring, Sibobo, and Bonot Sta. Rosa, Municipality of Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Bicol Region has been experiencing weather disturbances brought about by the Shear Line since November 2023. This inclement weather significantly affects the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, especially the fisherfolk residing in coastal barangays.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel assisted in the said relief distribution.

DSWD Bicol is proactively working with the local government units (LGUs) to immediately provide assistance and to further assess the situation of the affected communities to identify other areas that need relief augmentation.

As of today, DSWD FO V has distributed a total of 33,929 FFPs amounting to Php 22,868,040.41 for 37,622 affected families all over the region since the start of operations last month, January 2024, and a cumulative total to date of 119,934 FFPs and 200 Non-food items amounting to Php 84,693,439.57 since the start of November 2023, when the effects of the Shear Line were felt in the Bicol Region. ###