20-K welfare goods given to LPA-hit Dabawenyos

AS OF February 6, 2024, the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has distributed 20,000 out of the targeted 38,000 welfare goods to Dabawenyos affected by the low pressure area (LPA) trough, according to Sarah Festin, acting assistant head of CSWDO.

She bared this during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday morning, February 8, 2024, at the DCIPC Building in Davao City.

In addition to CSWDO’s efforts, various private individuals, non-government organizations, and public officials have contributed food packs to support those affected by flooding and landslides caused by the LPA.

“So far sa atoang pagpadagan sa kaning pag-extend natu sa atoang mga hinabang sa ilaha naa gyud ang barangay ug ang city mayor office naga hand-inhand nagatabang (So far, when extending our help to them, we have the barangay and the city mayor’s office working hand-inhand to assist),” she said.

Regarding infrastructure damage, she reported six partially damaged and seven totally damaged houses in the Marilog District due to landslides.

CSWDO is working on obtaining aid for the affected individuals, including financial assistance for families with damaged houses.

However, Festin noted that not all residents will receive financial aid at the moment, as the focus is currently on providing welfare goods.

She also underscored the challenges in evacuation centers, including the lack of necessary facilities such as electricity, breastfeeding centers, marital spaces, and a safe environment. She stressed the temporary nature of these centers, with the goal of residents returning to their homes once stabilized.