The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to extend support to local government units (LGUs) of areas in the country that have been experiencing drought due to the El Niño phenomenon.

“Since October 2015, the DSWD has released a total of P599,919,584 worth of assistance to LGUs for the affected families,” explained Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman.

DSWD Central Office processed today the downloading of additional funds to Region XII for Cash-for-Work  and food assistance in the region and in ARMM amounting to ₱251,216,215.

Based on reports gathered by the DSWD, a total of 135,293 families or 676,465 persons from Regions VI, XII, and ARMM have been affected by the calamity.

North Cotabato

In North Cotabato alone, where a demonstration of farmers was held, a total of 13,519 food packs have been given to the LGUs as augmentation support.

Aside from this, a total amount of P50,252,650 were provided in the form of cash-for-work to the affected families since November 2015.

DSWD is also set to provide additional support amounting to P112,890,690 for food assistance and cash-for-work to LGUs in the province.

Likewise, DSWD-Field Office XII gave 14,622 family food packs worth P5.26 million to the 21 affected towns in Maguindanao, as of March 30. Of these, 10,000 packs were released through the office of Secretary Luwalhati Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority, for the affected families of General Santos City, and 600 packs were given to those from Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Aside from North Cotabato, DSWD-Field Office XII also provided South Cotabato with P36,368,260, Sultan Kudarat with P31,641,610  and Cotabato City with  P10,117,520 for the implementation of Food-for-Work under the  Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation (CCAM).

“Because of the response of the local governments and the assistance the Department has been providing since last year, the effects of the drought on the families are being addressed,” Sec. Soliman explained.