P16 million aid given to Enteng victims

MANILA, Philippines — The government has provided more than P16 million worth of assistance to nearly 304,000 people affected by Tropical Storm Enteng, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said yesterday.

In a Facebook post, the government’s lead communication arm said the aid was given to 303,938 persons or 80,078 families in eight storm-hit regions.

About P2.67 billion is available to the government for its relief efforts.

Citing data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the PCO said the storm had affected 76 barangays in Metro Manila, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas as of 6 a.m. yesterday.

The total cost of DSWD humanitarian assistance has reached P16.15 million. Of the available relief resources, food and non-food items account for P2.6 billion while P65.56 million are standby funds.

The DSWD said 14,607 families or 60,202 persons are in 441 evacuation centers, while 6,658 families or 26,576 individuals are seeking temporary shelter with their friends or relatives.

President Marcos gave assurance that the government is continuously responding to the effects of Enteng.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, Marcos said electricity is being restored, and food, non-food items, com munication equipment and health logistics were being provided.

Marcos urged local government units to “immediately respond to waste manage ment issues” in the aftermath of Enteng.

Following the distribution of aid, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured Enteng’s victims that his agency is “more than ready” to assist them.

The DSWD chief noted that the agency has enough family food packs (FFPs) to assist families and individuals affected by Enteng compounded by the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The DSWD’s humanitarian aid covers food and non-food items that was provided to the affected population in the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Val ley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region and Central and Eastern Visayas.

Relief supplies are in place in Northern Lu zon and Cagayan Valley, which are now being severely affected by the weather disturbance.

Inst