DSWD-6 releases PHP2.5-M aid to ‘Crising’-hit areas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 (DSWD-6) has released PHP2.5 million worth of assistance to families affected by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Crising.

The aid, consisting of food and non-food items, was distributed to the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, which is now part of the Negros Island Region.

As of 12 noon on July 18, data from the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) showed that PHP2,470,916.81 worth of family food packs (FFPs) had been provided to 8,921 families.

DSWD-6 records showed that 1,608 FFPs worth PHP1,009,682 were distributed in Antique; 1,330 FFPs worth PHP918,815 in Negros Occidental; 848 FFPs worth PHP519,764 in Aklan; 25 FFPs worth PHP14,569 in Capiz; and 13 FFPs worth PHP8,086 in Iloilo.

Therese Fely Legaste, DSWD-6 regional information officer, said the agency also released PHP52,800 worth of non-food items, mostly sleeping kits, to Ilog town in Negros Occidental.

DROMIC data also showed that 30 local government units (LGUs), covering 188 barangays, were affected by the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Crising.

A total of 3,018 individuals were displaced, with 132 evacuation centers currently open across affected areas.

Meanwhile, DSWD-6 has raised its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Red Alert status, in line with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian under the “Buong Pilipinas Handa” framework.

The agency said the move follows the issuance of Memorandum No. 40, Series of 2025, by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council VI (RDRRMC VI), which remains on Red Alert due to the continued effects of Tropical Storm Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon.

In a statement, the agency said the elevated alert status ensures full operational readiness, including 24/7 monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and immediate deployment of assistance to vulnerable communities in Western Visayas.

Under the leadership of OIC Regional Director Joselito G. Estember, DSWD-6 said it is working closely with LGUs, especially those in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to provide timely, needs-based, and compassionate social welfare services.

Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed and are actively monitoring field conditions and coordinating relief efforts to ensure the fast and efficient delivery of aid to affected families.