“We can safely survive and overcome disasters and calamities
if we work together and coordinate our efforts. Preventing loss of human
life and
ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of our communities
are at the top of our priorities during this season of natural calamities. We
want our communities to stand strong and united against calamities and for all
of us to work together.”
This was the
statement of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo as the Department continues to strengthen its relief operations
in areas affected by Typhoon ‘Karen’ in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V and CAR.
At present, DSWD- Field Offices (FOs) maintain their
coordination with affected local
government units (LGUs) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for
distribution of relief packs and augmentation support.
A total of ₱1,487,375 worth of relief assistance from the
combined resources of DSWD and LGUs has been provided to the affected families,
especially those coming from Regions II and V.
Although there are no reported flooding incidents affecting
residential areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), disaster team members
of the DSWD-FO NCR, LGUs and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
conducted ocular monitoring in the cities of Quezon, Mandaluyong, Manila, and
San Juan.
A rapid assessment was also conducted by the Social Welfare
and Development (SWAD) of Cavite to check on the status of four low-lying
areas, namely Cavite City, Rosario, Noveleta, and Kawit.
In Quezon Province, additional 5,000 family food packs will
be delivered for distribution to families affected by the typhoon.
To date, a total 17,0
52 families or 75,461 persons from 489
barangays in Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, V, and CAR have been affected. Of
the affected persons, 1,379 were strandees at ports in Albay, Catanduanes,
Camarines Sur, Masbate, and Sorsogon.
Some 5,077 families or 22,013 persons are taking shelter in
254 evacuation centers set up by LGUs.
Likewise, 943 houses were damaged in Regions I, II, V, and
CAR; of which, 905 were partially damaged and 38 were totally damaged.
Sec. Taguiwalo has already directed all concerned field
offices to maintain their close coordination with LGUs since Typhoon ‘Lawin’ is
fast approaching the country.
“The Department continues to help LGUs in managing
evacuation centers and providing augmentation support through delivery of
additional food packs and other immediate needs of affected residents. We urge
everyone to remain vigilant and please cooperate with their LGUs. As for the
LGUS, we also ask our officials to maintain constant communication with our
Field Offices and even with the Central Office if necessary so we can all stay
ahead of the needs of our people and ensure that we are able to respond to them
as soon as possible during emergencies,” she said.
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