Manila: The total amount of assistance extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to families and individuals affected by consecutive weather disturbances has reached PHP293 million, an official reported. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated that the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong have affected 1,380,087 families or 4,934,207 individuals in 5,501 barangays across the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dumlao emphasized the ongoing distribution of family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items (NFIs) to communities impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding. This effort aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive that no one should be left behind during times of disaster. She assured that relief operations would continue in the coming days and weeks in coordination with local government units (LGUs).

To date, the DSWD has distributed 431,722 FFPs and 3,903 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes. The NFIs provided include essential items such as blankets, hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, and water filtration units. Dumlao highlighted the DSWD's commitment to maximizing disaster response resources, aiming to deliver not only immediate but also adequate and comprehensive relief to affected Filipinos.

Despite the intermittent rainfall caused by successive weather disturbances, Dumlao commended the dedication of disaster frontliners, known as Angels in Red Vests, who brave the elements daily to deliver assistance. Since Monday, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has been actively visiting evacuation centers to personally assess the conditions of affected families and ensure their daily needs are being met.