On September 6, 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 5 delivered 150 boxes of Family Food Packs (FFPs) to families affected by the recent weather disturbance in the isolated barangays of Bandi and Parina in Donsol, Sorsogon.

These areas are classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), accessible only by a one-hour boat ride or a challenging path requiring motorcycles.

With the support of the local government, DSWD successfully reached these barangays and addressed the immediate needs of the affected families by providing essential relief supplies, including Family Food Packs.

Under the leadership of DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio, the agency continues to support families impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Enteng across the Bicol Region.

DSWD Bicol is also actively monitoring the remaining 1,251 internally displaced families in 77 evacuation centers across the region to ensure their needs for food and non-food items are met.

The agency also provides technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) on camp coordination, camp management, and the protection of internally displaced persons (IDPs) through the Local Social Welfare and Development Officers.

As of this press time, DSWD Bicol has distributed over PHP 55 million worth of humanitarian assistance to families affected by the storm across the six provinces in the region.

Additionally, the agency assures that sufficient supplies of Family Food Packs (FFPs) and Non-Food Items (NFIs) are available for the affected communities.

More than PHP 200 million in standby funds and relief stockpiles have been prepositioned throughout the region.

DSWD Bicol remains committed to disaster response efforts, prioritizing the health and safety of communities affected by the recent typhoon. ###