The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region (DSWD-13) delivered 3,971 family food packs and an equal number of bottles of drinking water to Loreto town in Dinagat Islands on Wednesday as residents continue to grapple with a water crisis caused by a prolonged dry spell.

The assistance is part of DSWD-13’s continuing efforts to support families affected by the water shortage in the island province.

The food packs and bottled drinking water were received by Mayor Doandre Bill Ladaga and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Bless Pabito.

“The provision of FFPs and bottles of drinking water showed the continuing unity and cooperation of LGUs and national line agencies amidst the water crisis and prolonged dry spell,” the Municipal Information Office said in a statement Wednesday.

The office said the Loreto municipal government will immediately distribute the relief supplies to residents in affected barangays.

Dinagat Islands was placed under a state of calamity in mid-August due to the water crisis.

The provincial and municipal governments, with support from national government agencies and the private sector, have been conducting water rationing and implementing long-term interventions to address the needs of affected residents across the island province. (PNA)