Eastern visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended PHP19.77 million worth of assistance to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong across the Eastern Visayas region.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Biliran province, the agency provided financial aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to the families of casualties and those who sustained injuries. The agency turned over a total of PHP100,000 to families of 10 casualties to help cover funeral expenses. The recipients included families of four drowning victims in Kawayan town and four who perished in a landslide in Maripipi. The other two recipients are families of drowning victims in Caibiran and Culaba towns.
Based on information shared to reporters by the DSWD regional office, the agency also released PHP45,000 in cash assistance for the hospitalization and medical needs of nine injured individuals. Separate financial aid was likewise given to the family of a casualty from Calbayog City, it added.
Meanwhile, the DSWD granted PHP10,000 each, along with family food packs, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping kits, to the seven rescued fishermen from Homonhon, Eastern Samar, who were earlier reported missing. The same assistance package was provided to the five fishermen from Maydolong, Eastern Samar, who were also previously reported missing.
In addition to cash aid, DSWD sustained relief operations by distributing family food packs (FFPs) to typhoon-hit areas in the provinces of Samar, Biliran, and some parts of Leyte. As of Sept. 30, the agency has distributed 32,371 FFPs and 151 non-food items (NFIs) to the storm-affected areas. Recipients are residents of San Vicente and Capul in Northern Samar; Sto. Ni±o in Tagapul-an in Samar; Naval and Kawayan in Biliran; and Matag-ob, Calubian, Hindang, Kananga, and Villaba in Leyte province.
To support stranded travelers, DSWD also distributed ready-to-eat food packs to 127 drivers and helpers at Maguinoo Port in Calbayog City. The agency continues its coordination effort with local governments affected by Opong, especially those who need augmentation.
