Over 200K Bicol families receive food aid from DSWD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has distributed more than 200,000 food packs to families affected by weather disturbances as of Friday. In an interview, Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction management division information officer, said a total of 214,084 family food packs (FFPs) worth PHP147.5 million have been distributed since Sept. 2. "We distributed family food packs for families affected by the combined effect of Tropical Storm Enteng, Tropical Depression Gener, and Tropical Storm Helen and the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' that caused heavy rains, floods, and landslides in various areas in the six provinces in the region," he said. Cabarles said they are doing their best to provide all the assistance needed by Bicolanos. "Our staff is monitoring round the clock, including coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) and disaster risk reduction management offices (DRRMOs)," he said. Camarines Sur received the highest number of food packs wi th 117,532 worth PHP79.7 million; followed by Camarines Norte, 41,389 worth PHP29 million; and Albay, 40,758 worth PHP28.3 million. Cabarles said the agency continues to distribute FFPs since requests from various LGUs are still being received by their office. Source: Philippines News Agency