The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joined First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos as she distributed aid on Sunday (November 10) to families whose loved ones perished from the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay, Batangas.
In the message of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian delivered by Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez, the agency chief said that the government will continue to help citizens affected by recent calamities until their full recovery.
“Katulad po ng laging binabanggit ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., ang ating pamahalaan ay handang tumulong hanggang kayo po ay muling makabangon at makabalik sa inyong normal na pamumuhay,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his message to the beneficiaries.
The agency chief also highlighted the vital partnership of the national government with local government units and the private sector, notably DigiPlus Interactive, in providing assistance to the bereaved families.
“Ramdam natin sa ating pagtitipon ngayon ang kabuuang pagtutulong-tulong ng ating gobyerno at lipunan na siya ring isinusulong ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat (LAB for ALL) program of First Lady Marcos, the DSWD, and DigiPlus Interactive provided food and non-food items to the families of the 61 individuals who perished from the landslide and massive flood caused by STS Kristine in Batangas.
Each of the family members received a sack of 25-kilo rice; 6.6 liter water; medical kit; Nanay’s kit; large and medium grocery boxes; and family food packs.
The DigiPlus Interactive, led by Chairperson Eusebio Tangco, will also provide cash assistance to the grieving families to help them in their burial expenses and in rebuilding their damaged homes.
Each of the bereaved familiea already received Php10,000 in burial assistance from the DSWD during the visit of PBBM and Secretary Gatchalian on November 4.
Also present to accompany First Lady Marcos in the aid-giving activity were DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Diana Rose Cajipe, Asst. Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, and DSWD-CALABARZON Regional Director Barry Chua.
Local officials present in the activity were Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas; Vice Governor Mark Leviste; Talisay, Batangas Mayor Nestor Natanauan; and, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez. (AKDL)
