The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that more than ₱27 million worth of humanitarian assistance has been distributed to families affected by Tropical Cyclone Basyang.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the aid included family food packs, ready-to-eat food boxes, hygiene kits, and modular tents for evacuees.
Basyang first made landfall in Surigao del Sur as a tropical storm before weakening into a low pressure area over Negros Oriental on Saturday morning, according to PAGASA. The Office of Civil Defense confirmed at least eight deaths linked to the cyclone.
Dumlao noted that Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian will visit Iligan City to assess further needs.
“Nagpadala ng request ang Iligan City for augmentation support — 2,300 family food packs and ready-to-eat food boxes, modular tents, and hygiene kits at ito naman ay naihatid na natin but we wanted to make sure,” she said.
She added that assistance has also reached Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.
“Aside from Iligan City, nakapag hatid na rin ng tulong sa Misamis Occidental, mis oriental, agusan del norte, surigao del norte, surigao del sur, at dinagat islands,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD highlighted that 3.5 million family food packs had been prepositioned nationwide before Basyang’s landfall, ensuring faster response to affected communities.