The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended PHP19.77 million in assistance to families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong across Eastern Visayas.
In Biliran, the agency provided financial aid under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to families of casualties and those injured. A total of PHP100,000 was distributed to the families of 10 victims, including drowning and landslide incidents in Kawayan and Maripipi towns. An additional PHP45,000 was given to nine injured individuals for hospitalization and medical needs. Separate aid was also extended to the family of a casualty in Calbayog City.
DSWD also assisted rescued fishermen, granting PHP10,000 each along with family food packs, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping kits to seven fishermen from Homonhon and five from Maydolong, Eastern Samar.
Relief operations continue with the distribution of 32,371 family food packs (FFPs) and 151 non-food items (NFIs) in Samar, Biliran, and parts of Leyte. Aid reached residents of San Vicente and Capul in Northern Samar; Sto. Niño in Tagapul-an, Samar; Naval and Kawayan in Biliran; and Matag-ob, Calubian, Hindang, Kananga, and Villaba in Leyte.
To support stranded travelers, DSWD also provided ready-to-eat food packs to 127 drivers and helpers at Maguinoo Port in Calbayog City. The agency continues to coordinate with local governments for further assistance.
