ILOILO – With communities across Western Visayas reeling from the successive blows of typhoons “Ramil”, “Tino”, and “Uwan”, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has intensified its region-wide relief push to prevent further humanitarian suffering, dispatching vital supplies to provinces still submerged in mud, debris and destruction.
The three typhoons carved a trail of devastation — massive flooding, shattered homes, crippled infrastructure, and thousands of displaced families — prompting OCD Region 6 to deploy what officials described as an expanded, “needs-driven” assistance operation.
Over the past weeks, the agency facilitated the release of hygiene kits, food packs, shelter repair kits, family tents, jerry cans, and rice assistance to communities struggling to stabilize after the storms.
These items, it said, were intended to meet “immediate humanitarian needs” while supporting early recovery.
To ensure speed and reach, OCD-6 tapped the Philippine National Police, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies to move supplies into hard-hit areas — including the province of Capiz; Roxas City, Sigma and Panitan in Iloilo; Ibajay in Aklan; Estancia; Antique; the Negros Island Region; Dumangas; and the 1st District of Capiz.
OCD-6 said it remains “proactive” in meeting emerging needs as LGUs finalize damage reports and request additional support. The agency emphasized the need for close coordination with local and provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) councils to ensure resources are deployed efficiently and gaps are addressed quickly.
As more communities begin the slow transition from response to recovery, OCD-6 reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations in the weeks ahead, stressing that rebuilding efforts across Western Visayas will require “ongoing resources and continued collaboration.”/PN
