The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Ilocos Region (DSWD-1) has distributed food and non-food items worth PHP12 million as augmentation to the relief operations of local government units (LGUs) affected by the southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon Carina.

A total of 16,121 family food packs and 281 non-food Items have been turned over to beneficiaries, the DSWD said in a statement on Saturday.

Bauang, La Union, which declared a state of calamity on Friday, has received 300 family food packs, 73 hygiene kits and 73 sleeping kits for families in evacuation centers, the statement added.

DSWD Ilocos Region Director Marie Angela Gopalan said the family food packs contained six kilograms of rice, canned goods, instant coffee and cereal drinks.

“The first relief operations were done by the LGUs then we augment based on the list of unserved beneficiaries and if there is a need, there would be a second round only if needed,” she said in a radio interview on Friday.

Bases on the DSWD-1 report, 74,427 families, equivalent to 286,294 individuals in 81 LGUs across the region, were affected by the weather disturbance as of July 26.

“Currently, 529 families are inside the 55 active evacuation centers in the region; while 6,814 families comprising 22,789 individuals, are staying with relatives,” the report stated.

Four houses were reported as completely damaged and 77 others were assessed as partially damaged due to strong winds and fallen trees.

Gopalan said relief packs are being transported to satellite offices regionwide.

DWSD has allotted PHP72.9 million for relief, PHP5 million of which are standby funds and the rest for food and non-food items. (PNA)