Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has delivered more than PHP1.16 million in humanitarian assistance to families impacted by Tropical Depression Luis and other concurrent weather systems affecting the country. This initiative aims to support those experiencing the adverse effects of the challenging weather conditions.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced that the aid, which includes family food packs (FFPs) and non-food items (NFIs), has been distributed to the affected families. Dumlao stated that the department's Field Offices have been actively involved in distributing the assistance to ensure that the needs of the impacted communities are met.

For individuals stranded at ports, the DSWD FO 5 in the Bicol Region has provided ready-to-eat food (RTEF) packs to locally stranded individuals (LSIs) at Tabaco Port. This effort is part of the department's comprehensive approach to addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the severe weather conditions.

Dumlao also mentioned that the DSWD, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), is monitoring 1,218 families or 3,701 individuals currently residing in two evacuation centers in Central Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Additionally, 22 families or 84 individuals are temporarily staying with relatives or friends, based on the latest Disaster Response Operations Monitoring, Information and Communication report.

The DSWD emphasizes the importance of public safety and advises residents to heed the instructions of their respective LGUs. Dumlao highlighted that, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to enhance proactive disaster preparedness, the DSWD continues to closely monitor weather updates and work in coordination with LGUs to ensure the swift delivery of assistance to those in need.