Manila: The total cost of humanitarian assistance provided to families affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island has reached over PHP185 million, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the assistance was in the form of family food packs (FFPs), non-food items, and emergency cash transfers. The DSWD spokesperson noted that even before the reported lahar flow caused by heavy rains, the agency has been continuously assisting Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, focusing on areas surrounding Mt. Kanlaon.
Dumlao stated, "And dahil nga po sa pangyayaring ito, of course, ang DSWD ay patuloy na magpapahatid ng mga karagdagang pangangailangan sa pagkain at maiinom na tubig diyan po sa mga kababayan lalung-lalo na iyong mga nasa evacuation centers pa," emphasizing the agency's commitment to supply additional food and potable water to those still in evacuation centers.
Based on DSWD data, a total of 23,000 families or over 92,000 individuals have been affected since Mt. Kanlaon erupted in December last year. Out of these, 2,448 families or 7,885 individuals remain in 23 evacuation centers across four localities. Furthermore, 3,775 families or 12,156 individuals are staying with friends and relatives.
Dumlao highlighted that the DSWD has been providing other interventions, including mobile kitchens, water tankers, water treatment facilities, and psychosocial support. She assured the affected families that the Marcos administration is working overtime to ensure their safety and well-being.
"Sa ilalim po ng pamumuno ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na nagbigay po ng kautusan sa DSWD na bigyan ng kapanatagan ng kalooban iyong ating mga kababayan na maapektuhan ng iba't iba pong mga disasters, fully committed po ang DSWD sa pagtugon sa direktiba na iyan," she said, reinforcing the government's dedication to the welfare of the affected families.
