Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) assistance to families affected by weather disturbances has reached PHP15.8 million as of Friday. Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5's Disaster Response Management Division, said they continue to augment humanitarian assistance, particularly food packs, to local government units (LGUs) affected by the weather disturbances.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villareal confirmed the availability of relief resources amounting to PHP252.5 million, comprising family food packs and non-food items stored in various regional warehouses. DSWD Bicol has distributed 36,849 family food packs, 32 hygiene kits, two family kits, one kitchen kit, and 32 sleeping kits.

As of Friday, records show 293 families, equating to 1,014 individuals, are residing in 26 evacuation centers, while another 636 families, or 2,364 individuals, are staying with relatives. Villareal emphasized the ongoing monitoring of internally displaced persons in evacuation centers throughout the region.

Displaced families are currently located in evacuation centers in Guinobatan, Oas, and Jovellar in Albay, as well as in Bula, Camarines Sur. "As part of the intervention, psychosocial support was provided to displaced children, women, and other vulnerable individuals to promote normalcy and social interaction during this challenging period," he stated.

A total of 393,972 individuals, or 88,896 families from 415 barangays, were impacted by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising (Wipha), Dante (Francisco), and Emong (Co-May).