DSWD provides aid to flood-displaced Albay and Masbate residents

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun assisting families in Albay and Masbate affected by the combined impact of a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

Photos from the DSWD regional office show evacuees receiving relief items such as hot meals and food packs in Guinobatan, Albay, where flash floods and lahar flow occurred last Monday, August 25.

This assistance came shortly after heavy rain caused flooding in parts of the Bicol region early this week.

“In accordance with the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD has quickly responded to ensure the safety and well-being of affected families. Additionaly, Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the need for close coordination with local governments for efficient service delivery,” DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio said.

Laurio visited the evacuees sheltering at the Guinobatan Community College on Tuesday and distributed food packs to 643 families.

Each food pack includes six kilograms of rice, ten easy-open canned goods, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drink.

Additionally, the DSWD deployed mobile kitchens to provide evacuees with hot meals.

A child-friendly space with books and toys has also been set up in the evacuation center to bring joy to children during their temporary stay.

“Dito, muling natagpuan ng mga bata ang saya at pag-asa sa kabila ng kanilang pansamantalang pamamalagi sa evacuation center,” the DSWD regional office stated in a press release.

(Here, the children have rediscovered joy and hope at the evacuation center.)

On Sunday, Laurio directed the distribution of 500 food packs to families of small-scale fishermen in Batuan, Masbate, whose fishing activities were disrupted by the habagat.

During the habagat, many fishermen have to reduce or even halt their fishing activities due to large waves and strong winds.

“Sa ganitong sitwasyon, kahit papaano ay may maiuuwi akong pagkain para sa aking mga apo,” said 68-year-old Felicia Bona as she received a box of food items.

(In this situation, at least I can bring home some food for my grandchildren.)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in a heavy rainfall outlook issued at 5 a.m. today, warned that many parts of Luzon will experience moderate to heavy rainfall due to the LPA and the habagat.

Pagasa weather specialist Loriedin Dela Cruz-Galicia stated that while the likelihood of the LPA developing into a tropical depression has decreased, the potential for heavy rainfall should not be underestimated by disaster management agencies.

The LPA was spotted at 3 a.m. over the coastal waters of Patnanungan in Quezon. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)

Two elderly women carry food boxes received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Batuan, Masbate, on August 24, 2025.