DSWD continues relief assistance for communities affected by monsoon, cyclones

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 22, 2026

Photo Courtesy: DSWD

PHILIPPIN ES – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to provide relief assistance to communities affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.

Based on the DSWD’s 6 a.m. Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication (DROMIC) report on Saturday, the agency has distributed 1.66 million family food packs, 13,864 non-food items, 22,993 ready-to-eat food items, and PHP2.76 million in financial assistance to affected communities.

To ensure the continuous delivery of aid, the DSWD maintains a nationwide stockpile of 3.79 million family food packs, 275,983 non-food items, and 315,172 ready-to-eat food items in warehouses across the country.

“Patuloy ang DSWD sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para matukoy ang mga kinakailangang tulong at agad na maipadala ang mga karagdagang relief supplies,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group said.

The DSWD said it continues to coordinate with local government units to determine the needs of affected communities and immediately deliver additional relief supplies where necessary.

The agency’s ongoing response is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance during disasters through the Buong Bansa Handa program.

As of the latest report, a total of 2,128,890 families have been affected by the combined weather disturbances, based on validation from local government units.

Of the affected population, 11,630 families, or 39,978 individuals, are currently staying in 530 open evacuation centers. Meanwhile, 19,834 displaced families, or 78,990 individuals, who are staying outside evacuation centers continue to receive relief assistance from the DSWD.

Dumlao said the agency remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and rapidly mobilizing resources until affected families are able to recover and return to their homes.

“Sa ilalim ng ating Buong Bansa Handa initiative, kami po sa DSWD ay ready all-year-round upang agad na makapag-abot ng kinakailangang tulong at relief augmentation support sa ating mga kababayan. Patuloy din tayong nagmomonitor at naghahanda para sa bagyo na maaaring pumasok at makaapekto sa ating bansa,” Dumlao said.

The DSWD also assured affected communities that it will continue to maintain its relief stockpiles and response operations as authorities monitor possible weather disturbances that could affect the country.