More than P2.2 million worth of relief goods were distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Negros Oriental.
DSWD-7 information officer Aileen Lariba said more than 11,000 families affected by the recent typhoon in the 10 municipalities and cities in the province were given assistance.
The cities of Dumaguete and Tanjay, and the municipalities of Amlan, Bacong, Mabinay, Pamplona, San Jose, Sibulan, Valencia and Siaton were affected by the storm that struck the country on Dec. 17.
The social welfare agency headed by Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre immediately organized relief operations for the victims, Lariba said.
President Benigno Aquino III and DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman pledged to provide shelter assistance worth P70,000 to the affected families whose houses were totally damaged.
However, Lariba said, assistance will only given to the municipalities as soon as they find a safe relocation site for the residents.
DSWD continues to encourage volunteers to help in the preparation and packing of relief goods, and for the public to share with the flood victims things that they needed.