Manila: Families and individuals in Northern and Central Luzon affected by Typhoon 'Bising' and the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," have received PHP719,187 in relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), an agency official reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group stated that the assistance includes 1,068 family food packs and emergency kits delivered to local government units impacted by Bising. These areas have experienced intense rains, flooding, and landslides.

Dumlao emphasized that even when Bising was still a low-pressure area, the DSWD assured local government units of their support in relief efforts, particularly in regions expected to be significantly affected. The DSWD's disaster response teams ensured prompt assistance to affected families, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

As of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, 30,683 families or 95,910 individuals across 61 barangays in Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 3 (Central Luzon), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) have been affected, as reported by the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC).

In Central Luzon, the DSWD facilitated the distribution of 225 family food packs to affected families in the city of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, where various areas were flooded, according to Dumlao. Relief distribution in the Ilocos Region began on July 5, reaching families in Narvacan, Sta. Maria, and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur.

Dumlao assured that the DSWD continues to monitor affected communities with the help of local government units and maintains sufficient supplies across the regions. The agency's Field Offices in Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and CAR have 493,457 family food packs and PHP9 million in standby funds.