Nearly 65K families receive food packs, rice in Catanduanes

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- At least 64,939 families in Catanduanes received food packs and bags of rice after Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) pummeled the island province.

Catanduanes Governor Patrick Azanza said 55,207 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol, along with 9,732 bags of rice from the provincial government, were distributed.

"The trucks with food packs are now in Caramoran, Pandan, Panganiban, and Bagamanoc. Claim stubs are no longer needed; a list of family heads from the barangay and municipal social welfare and development will suffice," he said.

Azanza said both the national and provincial governments are doing their best to provide necessary assistance to all affected.

"We are prioritizing the most serious situations, but you can expect help from the government. We have a transparency report and accountable officials and staff implementing disaster response. Let’s help each other," he added.

As of Sunday, he said telecommunications have been restored -- Smart at 67.60 percent, Globe at 62.96 percent, and Innove at 50 percent.

"Thank you to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary for the 37 Starlink units that were deployed to Catanduanes before Super Typhoon Uwan struck. Thank you for the extra 30 Starlink units you committed to bringing to help improve internet and connectivity on the island," he said.

The DICT also provided 21 active free Wi-Fi connections in the province.

Azanza said the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development would deliver the housing materials to the provincial capitol on Thursday.

"The DHSUD will purchase the equipment and deliver it to the Capitol, where a DHSUD representative will also assist in distribution. DHSUD will evaluate who qualifies for their cash assistance," he said. (PNA)

FOOD PACKS. Catanduanes Governor Patrick Azanza with residents of Barangay Marilima, Virac, Catanduanes, who received family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in an undated photo. The provincial government reported on Monday (Nov. 17, 2025) that more than 64,000 families received food packs and bags of rice. (Photo courtesy of Catanduanes Provincial Information Office)