CAPIZ – Amid the onslaught of the southwest monsoon or habagat and recent tropical cyclones, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas has extended immediate relief assistance to affected families in Capiz.
As of July 23, the DSWD has distributed 1,782 family food packs amounting to P991,356.32 to communities hit hardest by the severe weather conditions.
According to the agency’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report, approximately 4,894 families or around 24,374 individuals across 26 barangays in the municipalities of Sigma, Panay, and Maayon were affected.
This emergency response is part of a larger P38.5-million aid package allocated for Western Visayas, reinforcing the government’s commitment to provide timely support during calamities.
In anticipation of further needs, the DSWD has also prepositioned P2.7 million in standby funds, 111,338 additional food packs, and 30,616 non-food items across strategic locations to ensure swift deployment of resources.
Complementing the DSWD’s efforts, local government units, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders have contributed an additional P6.8 million in relief support for affected communities, as reflected in the same DROMIC report.
Earlier, the DSWD reported that 33 families — comprising 154 individuals — were displaced in Capiz and are currently taking shelter outside designated evacuation centers due to persistent heavy rains and flooding that rendered their homes unsafe.
Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Atty. Sheila Artillero stated that Tropical Storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon significantly affected the province’s agricultural sector, particularly rice fields, raising concerns about food security in rural communities.
Artillero also noted that prior to the intensification of the weather disturbance, the provincial government had already distributed around 8,000 food packs containing essentials such as rice, canned goods, and noodles, with priority given to fisherfolk in Roxas City and neighboring coastal municipalities.
The relief distribution was carried out through Task Force Pagdumdom, a provincial initiative that brings together key frontline departments to ensure the safety and welfare of Capisnons during natural disasters and emergencies.
This collaborative effort highlights the resilience and unity of Capiz in facing adversity, with both government and community stakeholders working hand in hand to recover and rebuild./PN
