CAPIZ – In response to the widespread flooding caused by Tropical Storm “Ramil,” the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced the deployment of an additional 30,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs) to assist displaced households across the province.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian made the announcement during a briefing with the Roxas City Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) on October 21. He reiterated the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to maintain direct communication with affected residents to ensure that their needs are addressed promptly.
“Talk to them and report their needs, and I will give you the go-signal on the spot,” Gatchalian said.
Following the consultation, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas and Capiz Governor Fredenil Castro requested the immediate delivery of additional food packs—5,000 for Roxas City and 25,000 for the surrounding municipalities. Gatchalian assured that the DSWD is expediting the release and transport of the requested relief supplies.
As of October 19, the DSWD has already distributed 16,578 Family Food Packs and 1,858 ready-to-eat food packs, valued at approximately P16.53 million, to various evacuation centers throughout Capiz.
Gatchalian also mentioned that the agency is implementing the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program for local government units (LGUs) that have met the necessary requirements for additional financial assistance.
“The moment you declare a state of calamity, that triggers us to utilize another tool aimed at disaster response,” he explained, referring to the ECT program.
On October 21, the municipalities of Ivisan, Pontevedra, and Panay were also placed under a state of calamity due to the extent of flooding. “Ramil” has displaced an estimated 32,464 families or around 120,348 individuals across 229 barangays, forcing many to take shelter in evacuation centers.
The DSWD, in coordination with local government units, continues to provide emergency relief and support to affected communities. Additional assistance and resources are expected to be mobilized as response operations continue across the province./PN
