LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol (DSWD-5) reported on Friday that it has so far distributed P79 million worth of relief assistance to families affected by Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) in six provinces.
It has distributed 96,247 family food packs (FFPs) and 580 non-food items to 98,277 families in Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes.
At least 36,870 families or 134,102 individuals are still in 961 open evacuation centers and 19,659 families or 71,491 individuals stay in private homes or with relatives.
DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio emphasized the Department’s ongoing coordination with local government units (LGUs) to optimize resources and ensure effective distribution of assistance to the areas most affected.
In Catanduanes, 36,600 families have received 36,200 FFPs and 250 NFIs, amounting to PHP28.41 million.
“The distribution of family food packs and essential relief aid to affected families and communities remains our priority and is being actively executed across the region,” Laurio said during a media forum in Catanduanes on Thursday.
He also highlighted the importance of proactive measures, such as prepositioning food and non-food items in disaster-prone areas.
“The strategy ensures the swift delivery of relief assistance to affected communities during emergencies. By strategically positioning family food packs in vulnerable areas like Catanduanes, we can promptly provide support to families during typhoons and other disasters,” Laurio said.
Under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation programs, at least 1,160 beneficiaries received financial assistance totaling P5.8 million.
“Ongoing assessments and data validation are being carried out to ensure the accuracy of information and efficient delivery of aid to those in need,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Bicol reported that 37,435 houses were affected by Pepito, including 8,106 totally destroyed by the super typhoon.
It said 15 roads and bridges were affected — four were impassable to all types of vehicles, two were not passable to light vehicles, three were one-lane passable and six were passable to light vehicles.
The OCD-Bicol said power in 30 of the 60 LGUs has been restored while internet communication has been fixed in nine of 19 LGUs. (PNA)