Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo this evening responded to criticism regarding the slowness of relief efforts in areas devastated by Typhoon Nina.

The following is the response of Sec. Taguiwalo:  “The DSWD had prepositioned food packs prior to Nina’s landfall. These food packs are in addition to those which LGUs are supposed to provide from their own calamity funds. We immediately augmented these with additional family food packs after the devastation wrought by Nina. These food packs are with the local government units who are primarily responsible for their distribution. We apologize if there are areas and communities that have not been reached by government assistance. We can help remind the appropriate government officials and units to respond to these needs. Send us a message to ereklamo. dswd.gov.ph”

Update on Assistance Provided

As of January 2,  a total of P158,421,799.00 worth of relief assistance has been provided to affected families in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V and VIII, and stranded passengers in Regions V and VIII.

From the given amount, the DSWD provided P154,115,468.00 worth of assistance as resource augmentation for local government units (LGUs).

Moreover, LGUs and non-government organizations (NGOs) provided a total of P4,225,832.00 and P80,500.00 worth of relief resources, respectively.

Status of affected families

Currently, the DSWD is continuously coordinating with National Government Agencies (NGAs) and LGUs in providing assistance to 471,453 families or 2,125,555 individuals affected in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol and VIII.

The number of families displaced in the said regions increased to 388,943 families or 1,774,729 individuals, of which, 7,627 families or 32,773 individuals are still staying in 81 evacuation centers, while the others went back to their homes.

Report irregularities in relief distribution

Meanwhile, the Department will continue to send augmentation support to LGUs and other needed assistance in the relief operations for Nina victims.

Sec. Taguiwalo also called on the public to report irregularities in the distribution of relief items to affected families.

“Mahigpit pong ipinagbabawal na galawin ng mga lokal na opisyal ang DSWD food packs para hati-hatiin ang laman nito. Kung may ganitong pangyayari, maaari nyo pong ireport sa amin o sa 8888 and insidente kasama ang litrato o kahit anong pruweba tungkol sa nakita ninyong iregularidad (Opening and repacking of DSWD food packs by local governments for distribution to affected locals is strictly prohibited. We encourage everyone to report such incidents to us or to the 8888 citizen’s complaint hotline with proof of the irregularity), said Sec. Taguiwalo. #