Baku: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol region (DSWD-5) is facilitating the distribution of financial aid to the families of those who lost their lives during the onslaught of the weather disturbances Kristine (Trami) and Pepito (Man-Yi) in 2024. In an interview on Monday, DSWD-5 Disaster Response and Management Division chief, Claudio Villareal Jr., said 74 families in the region are set to receive financial aid amounting to PHP250,000 each, along with food packs that included a sack of rice, gallons of drinking water, food items, hygiene supplies, and a first-aid kit.
According to Philippines News Agency, 57 families in Pili town, Camarines Sur province received the aid last week, and the remaining 17 will have their distribution scheduled soon. Villareal stated, "The assistance was initiated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, with support from generous partner organizations. It aims to provide comfort and relief while addressing the immediate and long-term needs of grieving families as they work to rebuild their lives."
Villareal mentioned that the families had also received DSWD burial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. He added, "As part of the initial government assistance, they received cash aid following the calamities. This additional cash aid was provided by our First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. I am personally facilitating coordination with the families for the next distribution as soon as possible."
Camarines Sur was one of the provinces hardest-hit by "Kristine" and "Pepito" in the Bicol region, leaving many families with damaged homes and limited resources. Jenny Bermal, a beneficiary, expressed her gratitude upon receiving the assistance, sharing her disbelief at the unexpected support. "Thank you very much for this blessing. It will be a big help as we begin to open a business and repair our house, which was also damaged," she said.
DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio and DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma graced the aid distribution last Jan. 10, underscoring the agency's commitment to uplifting the lives of those in need.
