Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista flew back to Bicol Region today to check on the ongoing relief efforts of the Department in areas that are still reeling from the effects of Tropical Depression Usman.

The Secretary met with DSWD Field Office (FO) V Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia this morning to discuss the status of the affected families specifically those who are still taking refuge in various evacuation centers (ECs).

As of 12 noon today, some 12, 828 families or 56,417 persons are still staying in 112 ECs all over the Bicol region.

Meanwhile, 22,202 families or 105,820 individuals are staying in their relatives’ and friends’ houses. These families continue to receive relief assistance.

Earlier today, the Field Office distributed 224 food packs and 448 pieces of malong to the residents of Brgy. East Carisac in the Municipality of Libon, Albay.

Yesterday, the DSWD FO also distributed relief goods to the evacuees from Barangays Maynonong and Naga who are currently staying at Naga National High School Evacuation Center in the town of Tiwi, Albay. The local government unit (LGU) of Tiwi has provided a stockroom to the DSWD where food packs and non-food items can be temporarily stored.

DSWD FO V has also sent relief aid to affected residents of Barangays Iraya and Ibayugan in Buhi town, Camarines Sur.

To date, the Field Office has provided P12,529,403.50 total cost of assistance to the affected families in the region.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Visayas, some 175 families or 700 persons remain in four evacuation centers: three in the town of Lope De Vega and one in Catarman, both in Northern Samar province.

The Department’s Field Office in Region VIII yesterday delivered 2,400 food packs and 1,800 pieces of blankets to the LGU of Lope De Vega for distribution to the evacuees, while another 2,400 FFP and 1,400 blankets were delivered to families  in Catarman. ###