Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) – There are enough food packs and non-food items available for those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Florita, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday.
DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo told CNN Philippines that around 100,000 food boxes and ₱2 million in cash assistance have been allocated for the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.
Non-food items to be distributed include family kits, sleeping kits, tents, clothes, and hygiene kits.
“Cash, we do give if they really need it. If they are in a crisis like, for example, their houses were partially damaged then they can have it repaired,” Tulfo noted.
The secretary said beneficiaries can receive up to ₱10,000 in cash depending on the assessment of social workers on the ground.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 is hoisted over the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the northern and central portions of Apayao, and Ilocos Norte. Storm-force winds that have moderate to significant threat to life and property may pound these areas within 18 hours.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that hundreds of people were evacuated in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera as a preemptive measure.
