ILOILO City – Due to torrential rains, coastal hazards, and flooding over the weekend, more than 2,300 families — comprising 8,134 individuals — sought assistance from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Relief operations intensified as local and national agencies rushed to aid affected barangays.
“We already requested additional food packs from the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to accommodate the total number of affected families,” said CSWDO head Teresa Gelogo on Monday, July 21.
CSWDO data showed 34 impacted barangays, with Jaro district bearing the brunt at 17 affected villages, followed by Mandurriao district with eight barangays.
Seven houses sustained partial damage, while many families were preemptively evacuated from low-lying and coastal communities.
Several passengers also became stranded at the city’s wharf en route to Buenavista, Guimaras.
To address immediate needs, the city government distributed 1,113 food packs, each containing two kilograms of rice and four canned goods.
DSWD Region 6 augmented the effort with 865 food packs, each with six kilograms of rice, 10 canned goods, and 10 powdered drink sachets — sufficient for three days per family.
Thirteen evacuation centers have been activated citywide, sheltering evacuees primarily from flood-prone and coastal areas.
“The city prioritizes pre-emptive evacuation for safety and transfers families to higher ground when needed,” Gelogo said.
Donations have steadily poured in, with bottled water, vegetables, and other supplies coming from groups like the Iloilo Terminal Market Association and the City Agriculture Office.
The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) has also ensured water delivery to evacuation centers.
Asked about the sustainability of relief operations, Gelogo said resources remain sufficient.
“Mayor Jerry Treñas continues to send rice for distribution, and donations from private individuals go directly to the centers,” she said, adding that the strong community response has helped stabilize the city’s relief efforts./PN
