FOOD AID. Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) personnel repack family food items for Mayon-affected families at the agency's regional warehouse in Barangay Bogtong, Legazpi City on Wednesday (Aug. 8, 2023). DSWD-5 has distributed 33,000 family food packs to eight local government units comprising the 4th wave of assistance for Mayon evacuees. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) on Wednesday finished distributing 33,000 family food packs (FFPs) as fourth-wave assistance for Mayon evacuees.
In an interview, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-Bicol spokesperson, said these packs which were distributed to eight local government units (LGUs) starting on Tuesday, will cover 15 days of food supply covering Aug. 9-23.
"At least 27,050 family food packs were released to the 5,410 families inside evacuation centers. The 2,085 family food packs were distributed to 417 families outside evacuation centers and 3,865 family food packs to 773 economically displaced families, for a total of 33,000 family food packs worth (almost) PHP23 million,” Mesa said.
DSWD-5 also provided 5,410 hygiene kits to families sheltered in 27 different evacuation centers in Albay worth PHP7.2 million.
Mesa said the fourth wave of assistance provided by the agency cost a total of PHP30.1 million.
The DSWD-5 currently has on standby 100,620 family food packs in different warehouses and another PHP9.4 million worth of stockpile for repacking in anticipation of augmentation.
Each family food pack can provide food on the table for two days for a family of five members.
She said the stockpile is composed of 62,500 kilograms of rice; 9,818 cans of corned beef; 502 cans of sardines; 209,546 cans of tuna; 142,280 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee; and 45,575 cereal drinks.
On top of these, a PHP5-million standby fund is ready for additional purchase of food packs or any kits as needed.
The agency has likewise prepared 74,716 pieces of non-food items worth PHP131 million, which include family tents; sleeping, family, hygiene and kitchen kits.
Meanwhile, Mesa said they are calling for volunteer repackers for the family food packs.
"Your time and effort can make a difference. Repacking will be at the DSWD field office regional warehouse at Barangay Bogtong, Legazpi City, Albay," she said. (PNA)
