BATANGAS CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has facilitated more than PHP1.5 million worth of assistance to the oil spill-affected areas in this province.
The department, through its Field Office IV-A Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Batangas City, has distributed 1,762 family food packs (FFPs) to the affected fisherfolk and tourism industry workers in six villages of Isla Verde as of Friday.
In addition, the DSWD said in a statement that it has prepositioned 9,000 food packs for the local government units (LGUs) of Nasugbu, Calatagan, Balayan, Lemery, Lian, and San Juan.
Each municipality has an allocation of 1,500 FFPs.
Also provided were hygiene kits and other essential items.
The agency likewise conducted psychosocial interventions to help the residents cope with the impact of the oil spill.
According to the latest report received by the DSWD, the oil spill from the sunken M/T Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro has already affected 1,767 families, or 7,740 people, who live in Batangas City.
The department is currently processing the download of funds to the LGUs in Batangas province for the implementation of the Cash-for-Work program for 15 days of temporary employment opportunities. (PNA)
