DSWD distributes P181M in aid to Mindanao LPA victims
MANILA, Philippines — A total of P181,300,409 worth of aid had been given to Mindanaoans affected by the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA) as of Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported.
The aid was distributed to 1,484,684 affected individuals or 414,959 families across Davao Region, Soccskargen, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to DSWD’s progress report issued at 6 a.m.
READ: DSWD: Enough resources to aid flood-stricken Mindanao folk
The report further states that among the affected individuals, the department is still monitoring the status of over 300,000 displaced persons, with 23,112 residing inside the 106 evacuation centers across the four regions.
Among these displaced persons, 401 are infants, and 66 are pregnant women.
The progress report added that the trough of the LPA, which dissipated on February 3, has wholly damaged 665 houses and partially damaged 937 more across the 816 affected barangays (villages).
According to the situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the aid provided to affected Mindanao residents includes family food packs, medicine, hygiene kits, and water, among others.
The incessant rains brought by the LPA’s trough triggered a deadly landslide at a mining village in Maco town in Davao de Oro on February 6, killing at least 55 people, according to the latest figures from the local government.
READ: More groups clamor for independent probe into Davao de Oro landslide
The DSWD said in a statement on Monday that to help console the bereaved families of the landslide victims, the department’s social workers in Davao Region are conducting grief counseling.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has also assured Mindanao folk that they will be given all the necessary assistance, including financial aid and psycho-social intervention.
The department’s progress report noted that the DSWD still has relief resources amounting to P3 billion.
