74 typhoon-hit Bicol families who lost kin get P250K aid from DSWD
LEGAZPI CITY—Seventy-four families in Bicol who lost loved ones and suffered losses during the onslaught of Typhoons “Kristine” (international name: Trami) and “Pepito” (Man-yi) last year each received financial aid and grocery packs worth P250,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday.
The payout ceremony, which took place at the Digital Transformation Center Capitol Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur, was led by DSWD Assistant Secretary Paul Ledesma.
The beneficiaries were carefully validated by their respective local government units (LGUs), DSWD Bicol director Norman Laurio said in an interview on Friday.
“These beneficiaries underwent a strict validation process through their LGUs to ensure the aid is properly allocated. This process is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability,” Laurio explained.
The financial assistance and grocery packs were part of an initiative by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, which involved numerous individuals contributing generous donations, he added.
“This relief program is not just about financial assistance,” Laurio said. “It’s about offering hope and support as these families begin the long road to recovery—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.”
Storms death toll
Kristine hit Bicol in late October and caused widespread flooding and landslides in the region, leaving behind 26 fatalities.
It was immediately followed by Typhoon “Leon” (Kong-rey), which increased fatalities in Luzon to 160, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Pepito struck in mid-November and left nine more fatalities in Luzon. Catanduanes, where it made landfall, was particularly hard-hit with 4,000 houses destroyed.
For Cherry Peña, 41, a resident of Calabanga town in Camarines Sur, who lost her husband in the flood triggered by Kristine, the assistance is a huge help for her family.
“We will use this for the education of my five children,” Peña tearfully said in an interview on Friday.
Jenny Bermil, 40, from Bula, also in Camarines Sur, lost one of her three children when they were swept away by floodwaters during Kristine’s onslaught.
“Thank you for the cash aid. This is a blessing. I can use it as capital to start a business and to repair my house that was damaged by Kristine,” Bermil said in a separate interview.
