DSWD Mobilizes Aid for Families Affected by Heavy Mindanao Rains
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has delivered more than P2.2 million in assistance to families impacted by the heavy rains in Mindanao. These rains were triggered by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brought extensive flooding and damage across the region.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the department coordinated closely with local government units (LGUs) in line with directives to provide immediate relief and support to affected communities. The heavy rainfall affected numerous areas, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Relief Efforts and Coordination with Local Governments
DSWD field offices in the affected regions have been placed on high alert to ensure quick distribution of family food packs and essential non-food items to those in need. Community leaders said that relief operations began promptly to address urgent needs.
On May 24, a total of 376 families in Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, Cotabato, one of the hardest-hit areas, received food packs from the DSWD Field Office XII (Soccsksargen). Meanwhile, in Zamboanga Del Sur, the DSWD Field Office IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) distributed relief supplies to barangays in Kumalarang, which suffered from flash floods and landslides caused by the persistent heavy rains.
“So far, we’ve delivered 1,315 boxes of family food packs to affected residents in Kumalarang and Bacungan, one of the hardest-hit municipalities in Zamboanga Del Norte,” community officials reported.
Preparedness and Ongoing Support for Affected Communities
The DSWD continues to work closely with LGUs to meet additional requests for resources, ensuring that aid reaches all affected families. Currently, field offices in Mindanao hold P12 million in standby funds and have prepositioned 419,645 family food packs ready for disaster response efforts.
These proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of the flooding and provide timely assistance to vulnerable households, helping communities recover more quickly.
For more news and updates on Mindanao rains relief efforts, visit Filipinokami.com.