MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that nearly half a million families have been affected by recent weather disturbances across the country, with over 14,000 families currently staying in evacuation centers.

In a public briefing with Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said 490,418 families have been affected, while 14,191 families are housed in around 500 operational evacuation centers nationwide.

“Mayroon na tayong 490,418 na affected families kung saan ang 14,191 families ang ngayon ay nakatira sa mga iba’t ibang evacuation centers natin. Mayroon tayong tumatakbo na around 500 na evacuation centers na nakabukas nationwide,” Gatchalian said.

He emphasized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure no family goes hungry during the storm and its aftermath.

“Sa katunayan, Usec. Claire, as we speak, 92,590 na family food packs na ang na-release ng DSWD mula nang nagsimula ang Bagyong Crising hanggang sa ngayon na may mga low pressure area at tuluy-tuloy pa ho tayo,” he said.

While local government units (LGUs) are the first responders, Gatchalian acknowledged their limited resources and said the DSWD is ready to step in and provide continued support, particularly for families staying in evacuation centers.

Ahead of Tropical Storm Crising, Gatchalian said the DSWD had prepositioned about three million family food packs in nearly 1,000 warehouses nationwide. Repacking continues daily through the department’s production hubs in Pasay and Cebu.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na dahil may three million na tayo sa bodega ay tumigil na tayo. Sa katunayan, ang ating repacking center sa Pasay at sa Cebu, tuluy-tuloy ang production na nakaka-produce sila ng tigtu-twenty thousand kada araw,” he said.

Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD remains committed to the President’s instruction to ensure all affected families receive food and assistance.