The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol (DSWD-5) distributed 2,287 family food packs (FFPs) to farmers and other affected households in Camarines Norte and Albay provinces to help them cope with the effects of El Niño.

In a report on Monday, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio said these efforts support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that no family goes hungry during these challenging times.

“The food assistance is part of the government’s efforts to cushion the immediate effects of very strong El Niño on vulnerable households while affected communities face ongoing challenges to their livelihoods,” he said.

The assistance included 1,668 food packs distributed to affected farmers in Vinzons and San Vicente, Camarines Norte, and 619 food packs provided to families in Oas, Albay.

In Vinzons, DSWD-5 distributed 1,100 food packs on Oct. 11 to farmers in Mangcayo (450 packs), Napilihan (250) and Singi (400).

Laurio added that distribution in Calangcawan Norte and Barangays 1, 2, and 3 is scheduled Monday and Tuesday.

The agency earlier provided 568 food packs to affected farmers in nine barangays in San Vicente in Asdum, Cabanbanan, Calabagas, Fabrica, Iryaya Sur, Kanluran, Man-ogob, San Jose and Silangan.

In Oas, Albay, DSWD-5 also distributed 619 food packs on Oct. 11, following an earlier distribution of family food packs to 481 affected households in Barangay Camagong.

“The relief operations aim to help families meet their immediate food needs as prolonged dry conditions threaten agricultural production and farmers’ sources of income,” he said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned that El Niño may bring below-normal rainfall and extended dry conditions to parts of Bicol, potentially affecting crops and farming communities.

DSWD-5, through its Disaster Response Management Division, continues to coordinate with local government units to monitor affected communities and facilitate the delivery of assistance. (PNA)