The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has distributed more than PHP44 million worth of humanitarian aid across the region following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong).

In an interview on Tuesday, Norman Laurio, DSWD-5 director, said that in addition to the 19,000 family food packs already prepositioned in the island province, an additional shipment of food packs has arrived in Catanduanes.

“Earlier this morning, another 10,000 family food packs were delivered. They were loaded onto a Philippine Coast Guard vessel and unloaded in Virac, with two more trucks on the way. Many more food and non-food items are still arriving,” he said.

Laurio also said that laminated sacks will be distributed to provide temporary shelter for affected families.

“We have water filtration kits available and other assistance to support our fellow Bicolanos facing the crisis due to this calamity. Rest assured, DSWD is continuously addressing the needs for both food and non-food items. We will respond to these needs as mandated, following the instructions of our President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” he added.

In Albay, 3,000 family food packs were distributed to Tabaco City; 3,000 to Guinobatan; 2,000 to Camalig; 2,000 to Malilipot; and 1,299 to Manito.

In Sorsogon, 728 family food packs were given out, with 247 sent to Donsol, 228 to Bulusan, 130 to Gubat, and 123 to Casiguran.

In Camarines Sur, specifically in San Jose and Ocampo, 3,000 family food packs were provided.

DSWD-5 has also assisted stranded passengers at Pioduran Port, Pilar Port, and Matnog Port.

The agency reported that it still holds more than PHP123 million in resources, comprising a PHP3 million standby fund and more than PHP120 million worth of relief stockpiles ready for immediate deployment.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense 5 reported that 375,043 families, or 1,325,020 individuals, have been affected.

An initial assessment indicated that Uwan caused more than PHP111 million in infrastructure damage.

Approximately 960 houses were destroyed, and 7,756 were damaged.

At least 88 local government units are still experiencing power outages, 10 are facing interruptions in water supply, and 22 are dealing with communication disruptions. (PNA)