LEGAZPI CITY - Families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) have started receiving financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol (DSWD-5) through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program. In an interview on Tuesday, Leslie Benbing, DSWD-5 crisis intervention section information officer, said PHP6.6 million were distributed to 1,112 families in Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Masbate. She said the amount of financial assistance released was as follows: Catanduanes - PHP30,000 (3 families); Naga City - PHP4.64 million (784 families); Iriga City - PHP10,000 (1 family); Ligao City - 1 family (PHP10,000); and Masbate - PHP1.87 million (323 families). "Additional financial assistance distribution is being coordinated with local government units and we expect more payouts next week. Sorsogon and Camarines Norte have already scheduled distributions," she said. Four families in Catanduanes will receive funeral assistance worth PHP10,000 each. "The DSWD Bicol, under the guidance of Regional Director Norman Laurio, is working diligently to assist all Bicolanos facing crisis due to Kristine and to aid their recovery from the disaster. He has already talked with provincial social welfare and development officers to expedite the distribution of financial assistance," she added. Gemma Morao, 39, from Magarao, Camarines Sur, expressed her gratitude for the cash assistance she received. "Thank you, DSWD. This is a huge help for us to start again. We will use it to buy necessary materials for our house and also food," she said. Meanwhile, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said volunteers are busy preparing relief packs containing essential items such as rice, canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, milk, and sugar for disaster victims in Camarines Sur. The party also assists Bicolanos who lost their homes and livelihood and provided rescue equipment to key agencies, including the Camarines Sur local government, 9th Infantry Di vision of the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group. Source: Philippines News Agency