Angeles city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office Central Luzon (FO-3), has extended an initial humanitarian aid of PHP464,000 to the survivors and relatives of the fatalities in the collapsed building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao stated in a televised interview that the assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure that appropriate aid is provided to those affected. Secretary Rex Gatchalian has ordered the immediate profiling of the rescued individuals and the provision of financial aid. Bereaved families are also set to receive burial assistance.

Dumlao, who serves as the assistant secretary of the DSWD's Disaster Response and Management Group, expressed the Department's condolences to the families who lost loved ones and reiterated Gatchalian's commitment to providing the necessary support. The initial assistance includes family food packs, non-food items, ready-to-eat food boxes, financial aid, and psychosocial interventions.

She emphasized the importance of supporting affected individuals who have lost their jobs and sources of income, stating that the DSWD is providing appropriate interventions, including psychosocial support and other forms of aid.

For affected workers planning to return to their provinces, Dumlao mentioned that the DSWD FO-3 has arranged transportation assistance for nine individuals returning to the Bicol Region. Upon their return, the DSWD will offer livelihood support through its Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Dumlao assured that the DSWD will maintain coordination with the Angeles City local government and relevant agencies to ensure that all survivors and affected families receive the necessary support to help them recover from the incident.