The government has extended over ₱1.3 million worth of food assistance to families affected by widespread flooding in Palawan and Occidental Mindoro due to the onslaught of Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat.
As of July 20, a total of ₱1,318,153.40 worth of food assistance was distributed to the affected families in the towns of Aborlan, El Nido, Narra, Quezon, Roxas, San Vicente and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Of this total, ₱909,377.40 was provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), while ₱408,776.00 came from the local government units (LGUs).
Over 700 family food packs (FFPs) were also distributed to the affected families in the province of Occidental Mindoro, amounting to ₱698,644.64.
In addition to the food aid, an allocation of ₱1,988,633.40 in the Quick Response Fund (QRF) remains available to promptly address emergency needs.
The LGU of Puerto Princesa City, in coordination with the Puerto Princesa City Emergency Operations Center (PPC-EOC), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and Market Management Office, has also established community pantries in Barangays Sicsican and Langogan to bring essential goods closer to the vulnerable residents.
According to the DSWD MIMAROPA’s report as of 12 noon of July 20, some 10,560 families or 42,560 individuals have been affected in 132 barangays across Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, of whom 4,420 families or 21,675 individuals are classified as Non-Internally Displaced Populations (Non-IDPs). Although their homes were inundated, these families chose to stay in their respective residences.
Meanwhile, 3,755 families or 12,367 individuals sought temporary refuge in 178 evacuation centers across the affected provinces.
Currently, the 2,156 families or 7,152 individuals remain in evacuation centers, while 1,599 families or 5,215 individuals have returned to their homes.
The government, through its agencies and in close coordination with LGUs, continues to monitor the situation to ensure timely delivery of assistance and services to all affected communities.
To ensure continuous food security in calamity-affected areas, DSWD MIMAROPA Field Office maintains 115,433 prepositioned Family Food Packs in various provincial warehouses.
These include 28,632 FFPs in Occidental Mindoro, 31,498 FFPs in Oriental Mindoro, 6,669 FFPs in Marinduque, 19,223 FFPs in Romblon and 29,411 FFPs in Palawan. (PIA)
