Eastern visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended PHP10.31 million worth of humanitarian assistance to families affected by Super Typhoon Uwan, which ravaged Eastern Visayas earlier this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD has distributed 15,487 family food packs, 733 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 306 non-food items to the impacted households as of November 20. This assistance reflects the department's commitment to providing immediate support to disaster-stricken communities. DSWD regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua emphasized the ongoing effort to gather updated information on the ground, which is crucial for guiding relief and recovery operations.

Furthermore, families who lost loved ones or sustained injuries due to the typhoon received PHP90,000 in cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Chua highlighted that this aid supplemented the resources of 72 local government units across Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran, areas where 191,618 families were reported to be affected.

In addition to the efforts for Typhoon Uwan, the DSWD has also provided at least PHP60.08 million in assistance to families affected by Typhoon Tino, which struck the region in early November. The aid for Typhoon Tino included 86,264 family food packs, 5,024 ready-to-eat food boxes, 6,823 other food and non-food items, and PHP117,000 in cash assistance under the AICS program.

Currently, DSWD Eastern Visayas is equipped with PHP74.74 million in relief resources, comprising standby funds and stockpiles of food and non-food items, to support ongoing and future relief operations.