DSWD Mobilizes Over P2.2 Million for Rain-Affected Families in Mindanao

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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed over P2.2 million in resources to assist families impacted by heavy rains in Mindanao, caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This initiative is in response to President Marcos' directive for swift aid delivery to affected communities.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced that the department is working closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure efficient relief efforts. Over the past week, families in the regions of Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have been severely affected by the adverse weather conditions.

In these areas, DSWD field offices are on high alert, tasked with rapidly distributing family food packs and essential non-food items. On May 24, DSWD Field Office XII (Soccsksargen) provided food packs to 376 families in Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, Cotabato—a community hit hard by flooding.

Similarly, in Zamboanga Del Sur, DSWD Field Office IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) distributed much-needed relief supplies to barangays in Kumalarang, which faced both flash floods and landslides. Dumlao reported that 1,315 boxes of family food packs were delivered to the residents of Kumalarang and Bacungan, one of the municipalities most severely affected in Zamboanga Del Norte.

Dumlao emphasized ongoing collaboration with LGUs to meet further needs that arise, pointing out that DSWD field offices across Mindanao have P12 million in standby funds alongside a reserve of 419,645 family food packs ready for immediate disaster response.

These efforts highlight DSWD's commitment to providing timely and adequate support to vulnerable communities in Mindanao, ensuring they receive the necessary aid during times of crisis.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-26