MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than ₱73 million worth of relief assistance to families and individuals affected by three successive cyclones—Tropical Depression Mirasol, Super Typhoon Nando, and Severe Tropical Storm Opong—that battered the country this September.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, spokesperson of the agency and head of its Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), said the amount covers food packs and non-food items already distributed to affected residents.

“Ang total cost of humanitarian assistance ay nagkakahalaga ng Php73 million at ito po ay binubuo ng mga food packs at non-food items. Sa food packs alone, mahigit 108,000 family food packs (FFPs) na po yung nadistribute natin sa mga naapektuhan,” Dumlao said Saturday at the News Forum in Quezon City.

She noted that the figure is based on the September 27, 6 a.m. disaster monitoring reports of DSWD field offices, and is expected to rise as relief distribution continues, particularly in Eastern Visayas, MIMAROPA, and the Bicol Region.

The DSWD reported it has ₱380 million in standby funds and more than 2.5 million prepositioned food packs, alongside other food and non-food items valued at ₱3 billion. Dumlao thanked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the immediate replenishment of the agency’s Quick Response Fund, allowing continuous production and prepositioning of relief goods.

Beyond food packs, the DSWD has also distributed over 1,300 ready-to-eat food boxes to stranded passengers at major ports nationwide and served more than 3,700 hot meals in Sorsogon and Pio Duran Port, as well as 133 passengers in Tabaco City.

For families of casualties and those injured, Dumlao said financial aid is being provided under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The Department is also ready to implement its Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program for disaster-hit families once a state of calamity is declared.

As lead agency of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, the DSWD also ensures proper management of evacuation centers and protection of internally displaced persons, particularly women and children, who may be referred to the Department of Health for additional support.

Dumlao said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian is scheduled to visit Masbate City on Sunday, one of the hardest-hit areas by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.