TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office has released cash assistance to bereaved and injured families in Biliran province through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program following the devastation brought by Typhoon “Opong.”
According to initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), four municipalities — Kawayan, Maripipi, Culaba, and Caibiran — were among the hardest-hit areas when the typhoon lashed Biliran with strong winds and heavy rains, triggering floods and landslides. At least 10 people were confirmed dead while nine others sustained injuries.
DSWD Field Office 8 Regional Director Grace Subong said the agency immediately deployed a quick response team to coordinate with the affected local government units and validate the needs of the victims.
“We are committed to extending urgent and compassionate assistance to the families affected by Typhoon Opong to help ease their burden,” Subong said.
Under the AICS program, DSWD-8 provided P100,000 in financial assistance to the bereaved families to cover burial and funeral expenses, while P45,000 was distributed to nine injured individuals to support hospitalization and medical treatment.
Family food packs, sleeping kits, and hygiene supplies were also pre-positioned and distributed to affected barangays to complement local relief operations.
The AICS program is a flagship emergency intervention of the DSWD designed to help individuals and families cope with crises brought by disasters, emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
In Eastern Visayas, the program has become a critical component of post-disaster response, supplementing local government efforts to restore normalcy in affected communities.
Typhoon “Opong,” which battered Biliran province and nearby areas last week, displaced hundreds of families and damaged key infrastructure, prompting both national and local agencies to mobilize resources for relief, recovery, and rehabilitation.
DSWD-8 assured the public that its teams remain on the ground to monitor the situation and provide additional support as needed, especially to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
