TACLOBAN CITY — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of relief assistance to families affected by Typhoon Tino in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.
A total of 445 residents whose houses were totally destroyed received P10,000 cash each, along with family food packs, drinking water, and non-food items. The assistance forms part of the agency’s recovery intervention for typhoon victims.
“The President sent me here to ensure that all typhoon victims will be assisted and to let you know that you are not alone. The government is here to help you,” Gatchalian told residents during the cash distribution held on Nov. 14.
The secretary added that financial aid will also be extended to households with partially damaged houses — not only in Hinunangan but across Southern Leyte. Each recipient will receive P5,000.
Based on data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the province recorded 6,697 totally damaged houses and 21,862 partially damaged houses. DSWD said funding for remaining beneficiaries is now being prepared.
Gatchalian also assured continued provision of food packs and non-food items such as hygiene and kitchen kits. “We have enough food packs in our warehouses, and we will continue to assist as long as LGUs need it,” he said.
Typhoon Tino, which battered Southern Leyte on November 4, affected 232,534 residents and displaced 110,323 individuals, many of whom remain in evacuation centers. Power and telecommunications remain down in several municipalities, particularly those facing the Pacific and the Panaon area.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
