Hinunangan: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led on Friday the distribution of relief assistance to families who lost their houses due to Typhoon Tino in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. A total of 445 residents whose houses were destroyed received PHP10,000 in cash aid, along with family food packs, drinking water, and non-food items, as part of the agency's recovery assistance program for typhoon victims.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the province recorded 6,697 destroyed houses and 21,862 partially damaged homes due to the typhoon. The secretary added that the DSWD will also extend financial aid to households with partially damaged homes, not only in Hinunangan but throughout Southern Leyte. Each affected family will receive PHP5,000 in cash assistance.

Gatchalian said the agency is already preparing funds to cover the remaining households that have yet to receive financial support. He also assured the continued provision of food and essential non-food items such as kitchen kits and hygiene kits. 'Rest assured that we will continue to provide food assistance for as long as the local governments need it,' he told Hinunangan, Southern Leyte Mayor Ymard Joseph Tocmo, adding that the agency maintains sufficient supplies in its warehouses.

Typhoon Tino, which struck Southern Leyte on Nov. 4, affected 232,534 residents, displacing 110,323 individuals, some of whom remain in evacuation centers. Power and telecommunication services remain down in some towns, especially those along the Pacific coast and the Panaon area.