DSWD Prioritizes Food Aid Amidst Weather Disturbances, Prepares Financial Assistance
The Department of Social Welfare and Growth (DSWD) is currently prioritizing the distribution of immediate food assistance to families and individuals impacted by recent weather disturbances across several regions. Concurrently, the agency is refining its beneficiary lists for forthcoming financial aid.
“As we all know,whenever there is a disaster,the first thing that comes into the protocol is food-food on the table for those affected first,” stated DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during an interview on ANC’s Headstart on Monday,July 28.
Secretary Gatchalian reported that the DSWD has distributed nearly 830,000 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) to communities affected by disasters. The department aims to reach 1.5 million FFPs in the coming days as requests from local chief executives continue to be processed.
“That’s a big amount of family food packs we’ve already released and we are slated to release more,” the DSWD secretary informed Headstart anchor Karen Davila.
While food relief efforts are ongoing,the DSWD chief highlighted that the agency is also identifying eligible individuals and families for financial aid as part of the recovery phase.
“We’re already fine-tuning the list of those affected so that we can start working on recovery. Financial assistance is significant because families have different needs. Some of them will want to use it for repairs of houses, some of them want to use it for repair of livelihood,” Secretary gatchalian explained.
Approximately Php450 million is being allocated for financial aid, though this figure may increase due to the growing number of affected families.
“The number keeps on increasing by the day or by the hour. So we’re looking at Php450 million, but the number might still increase as we’re still seeing rains,” the DSWD chief noted.
Secretary Gatchalian confirmed that the cash assistance will be provided under the agency’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Secretary Gatchalian appealed for public patience as the DSWD continues its relief operations.
“Mananawagan ako-baka hanapan kami kaagad. Ang mga kababayan natin dapat unawain na pagkain muna ang inaasikaso namin dahil nasa relief-stage pa lamang tayo. Pero habang ginagawa namin ‘yan, we’re already looking at the list submitted to us. Then we have to work on the financial assistance for recovery,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
according to the latest Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) report, over 1.9 million families have been affected by torrential rains, with more than 31,000 families currently residing in evacuation centers.
disclaimer: This article provides information on government assistance programs and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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