The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released more than ₱3.2 million in relief assistance to families affected by Tropical Storm Ramil in Western Visayas.
According to the latest report from DSWD Field Office 6 early Monday, the storm affected 42,963 families, or about 154,664 individuals across 332 barangays in the region.
Of this number, 2,310 families (8,435 individuals) remain in 142 evacuation centers, while another 2,635 families (9,690 individuals) are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.
The DSWD said it still has around ₱82.9 million worth of available resources, consisting of ₱2.79 million in standby funds and ₱80.11 million worth of food and non-food items ready for deployment.
OIC Regional Director Joselito Estember led the distribution of assistance in Roxas City, in coordination with local government officials.
“These food packs are meant to provide immediate relief to families,” Estember said.
Each family food pack contains six kilograms of rice, assorted canned goods, cereal drinks, and coffee, while ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes were distributed to evacuees to ensure they have meals that require no cooking.
The DSWD assured the public that continuous relief operations are underway in coordination with local disaster response units to assist affected communities until conditions improve.