BENGUET: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided PHP694,000 worth of humanitarian supplies to assist 62 families affected by a devastating fire in Tuba, Benguet, on January 1. The blaze destroyed 26 homes and an Iglesia ni Cristo church, leaving many without shelter and resources.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-Cordillera Regional Director Maria Aplaten announced that 375 family food packs, along with hygiene, sleeping, family, and kitchen kits, were distributed to the displaced families on the day of the incident. The department is also evaluating the immediate financial aid to expedite relief for those affected. Aplaten emphasized the importance of swift assistance to address the victims' urgent needs and mentioned plans to offer livelihood opportunities to aid recovery.

In addition to the DSWD's efforts, the provincial government of Benguet has contributed food, hygiene kits, transport support, and other essentials, as confirmed by a post on Governor Melchor Diclas's official media page. Diclas has instructed the provincial social welfare office to assess both immediate and long-term needs of the fire victims.

Benguet Representative Eric Yap also provided rice and drinking water to the affected families. Meanwhile, Antonnette Anaban, Director of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development-Cordillera, noted the department is awaiting a damage assessment report from the municipal social welfare office to release funds through the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program.