As of 19 September 2018, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region has released a total of P4,593,717.40 worth of assistance to families in the region affected by TY Ompong.

This comprises the amount for the family food packs and non-food items provided to the victims of TY Ompong in the region.

“We continuously provide assistance to all the provinces in the region. This is aside from the prepositioned goods we have provided prior the onslaught of the typhoon”, OIC- Regional Director Janet P. Armas said.

The DSWD-CAR has allotted a minimum of 100 family food packs and 10 hygiene kits per municipality that has been prepositioned in the different provinces in the region. Additional relief items were also provided upon request of the local government units.

Meanwhile, the DSWD has already provided a total amount of PhP 396,000.00 as burial assistance to the families of 20 Itogon landslide victims. The amount covers the funeral assistance and services for the victims. Additional PhP 79,500.00 has been given to 21 individuals for Balik Probinsya assistance and for the assistance for the transportation of cadavers.

On 17 September 2018, the families also received cash assistance from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

“We will continue to give assistance and services to the families and individuals affected by typhoon Ompong. We need everyone’s help and support for us to be able to do this.” Director Armas added.

Aside from the relief and burial assistance, the DSWD-CAR can also provide other programs and services such as Cash for Work (CFW) or Food for Work (FFW).

Beneficiaries under the program will receive 75% of the existing regional minimum wage while food pack will be provided to beneficiaries under the FFW. Work includes digging, dredging, desilting canals and drainage systems, clearing pathways, shelter/facility repair; clearing debris, garbage collection, installation of support facilities; and, other similar work. Those who will be working in relatively hazardous activities will be provided with the necessary protective gear and tools.

The DSWD-CAR can also provide burial assistance, medical assistance, food assistance, educational assistance, and transportation assistance to the victims. The victims can also express their intent to avail of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department. Under the SLP, persons displaced by typhoon Ompong can avail seed capital fund. The grants will be directly provided to each eligible family/individual who evacuated from their original place of residence. The seed capital fund may be used for staring micro-enterprise, re-establishment of damaged livelihoods, or development/rehabilitation of micro-enterprise.

“We have a range of programs and services that can help the victims of typhoon Ompong. We request that anyone who has knowledge or information on how we can reach those who are in need that they directly coordinate with their local government units or our office. With the extent of the impact that this typhoon has brought in our region, your contribution will make a big difference”, Director Armas said.

For queries and concern, DSWD-CAR can be reached through its Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Offices in your respective provinces or at #40 North Drive, Baguio City with contact number (074) 446-59-61 or 444-32-09 or +63908-980-3494. #DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Mark Erik King Guanzon and Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva