BAGUIO CITY – At least PHP694,000 worth of humanitarian supplies have been extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Benguet to the 62 families affected by the New Year’s day fire in Tuba town.
The fire engulfed 26 houses and an Iglesia ni Cristo church in Sitio Camp 6, Barangay Camp 4 in Tuba.
Maria Aplaten, regional director of the DSWD-Cordillera, said at least 375 family food packs, 60 hygiene kit, 56 sleeping kits, 56 family kits and 56 kitchen kits were extended to the victims on January 1.
She said they are also assessing and processing the release of immediate financial assistance to the families.
“We usually release it immediately so that it will really serve its purpose of assisting the victims at their most time of need,” she said.
She added that they are also looking at providing livelihood to help the affected families recover from the calamity.
These aid are on top of the food, hygiene kits, transport support and other essentials provided by the provincial government of Benguet, according to a post at the official media page of Governor Melchor Diclas.
Diclas said he has ordered the provincial social welfare office to look into the other immediate and long term needs of the victims.
Similarly, Benguet Representative Eric Yap brought rice and drinking water, among others, for the victims on Wednesday.
Also, Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD)-Cordillera director Antonnette Anaban said they are waiting for the assessment report of the municipal social welfare and development office regarding the number of totally- and partially-damaged houses for the release of assistance.
“We are in close coordination with them on this so that we can process the funds for the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program assistance to the victims,” she said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency. (PNA)