TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out more than P5.4 million worth of relief assistance to municipalities in Eastern Samar affected by flooding triggered by continuous heavy rains brought about by a recent shear line.
In a letter dated January 14, 2026, DSWD Field Office VIII informed Eastern Samar Lone District Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Christopher Sheen Gonzales that family food packs and bottled water had been distributed to flood-affected families in the towns of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, and Oras.
A total of 9,799 family food packs, each valued at P549.50, were released to the five municipalities. In addition, 400 bottles of water worth P75 each were provided to residents of Jipapad. The overall assistance amounted to P5,414,550.50.
Arteche received 1,349 food packs worth P741,275.50; Dolores, 2,500 packs worth P1,373,750; Jipapad, 2,836 packs plus bottled water worth P1,588,382; Maslog, 114 packs worth P62,643; and Oras, 3,000 packs totaling P1,648,500.
The DSWD said it continues to closely coordinate with local government units in affected areas for possible augmentation of relief assistance, depending on the evolving situation on the ground.
Gonzales said his office immediately coordinated with the DSWD to ensure the timely delivery of aid to Eastern Samareños affected by the flooding. He thanked the agency for its swift response and assured constituents that efforts are ongoing to secure additional assistance as needed.
He added that his office is also working closely with the Office of the House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan to help safeguard the welfare of Eastern Samar residents during calamities.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
