BALER, Aurora – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry during disasters has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to accelerate relief operations for families affected by Super Typhoon Uwan in Aurora.
In line with the President’s directive, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian convened local officials and partner national government agencies to ensure the immediate delivery of relief assistance and assess the needs of families.
Gatchalian underscored that providing timely and sufficient assistance remains a top priority of the agency, in line with the President’s instruction to ensure that government aid reaches affected families without delay.
“Ang mandato ng DSWD ay makapaghatid ng mabilis at sapat na tulong, lalo na sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga apektadong pamilya. Sisiguraduhin natin na walang Pilipinong magugutom, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad—alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,” he said.
About 25,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs) has been distributed to affected municipalities as initial aid, while another 25,000 FFPs are set to arrive in the coming days.
The DSWD will likewise extend financial assistance to families whose homes were damaged or whose livelihoods were affected.
Families with totally damaged houses will receive P10,000, while those with partially damaged homes will receive P5,000.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian also led the distribution of hot meals, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, and hygiene kits to 500 affected families in the town of Dipaculao.
The assistance aims to help evacuees in their temporary stay at evacuation centers and ensure their comfort as recovery efforts continue.
Through these efforts, the DSWD aims to help affected families recover swiftly and rebuild their lives, while strengthening community resilience and supporting the province’s overall recovery and development. (CLJD/MJRD, PIA Region 3-Aurora)