MANILA – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency is ready to provide cash assistance to eligible families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In an interview over DZMM, Gatchalian emphasized the need to extend support beyond food assistance to address the evolving needs of affected communities.

“Lagi rin sinasabi ng Pangulo, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., hindi lahat ng pangangailangan ng isang pamilya ay matatagpuan mo doon sa kahon na yun. Kasi [may iba pang pangangailangan] may gamot, may gatas, iba-iba,” he said, referring to the limitations of the DSWD’s family food packs (FFPs).

The DSWD chief said cash aid is crucial for families whose homes or livelihoods were damaged and who need help in rebuilding or buying essential goods not included in FFPs.

“After a couple of days in the evacuation center at uuwi na sila at na-analyze ng mga local government units or ng ating mga provincial government na may problema na kailangan pang i-rehabilitate or pang rebuild, doon naman papasok ang DSWD for cash assistance,” he said.

Gatchalian said several low-lying, flood-prone communities have already been identified as beneficiaries under the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Along with financial assistance, the DSWD continues to distribute FFPs to affected areas. Production of the food packs at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Cebu remains ongoing to maintain a steady supply.

“Umaandar na tayo 365 days a year. Kasi hindi naman bagyo lang binabantayan natin. May earthquake, may sunog,” Gatchalian said.

He also stressed the non-partisan and collaborative nature of the agency’s disaster response efforts.

“Lahat yan tingin namin sa kanila, partners. The day na itaas ang kamay mo sa gabi ng bisperas ng eleksyon, you stop being a political figure, you become a public servant,” he said.

“Hindi ako pwede pumunta doon, yung mga social worker namin at kami ang magbida-bidahan. Kasi hindi naman namin alam ang totoong sitwasyon. And it’s your responsibility to help national government programs get to your area,” Gatchalian added, addressing local government units.