In a significant relief effort, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has disbursed PHP190,000 to assist 33 individuals whose homes were ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon. Each beneficiary received PHP5,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Maria Aplaten, the director of DSWD-CAR, confirmed that the aid distribution began during the peak of the typhoons and continues to reach those in need.
The majority of the recipients hail from Benguet, with 18 beneficiaries, followed by Apayao with 12, Mountain Province with two, and Ifugao with one. Aplaten noted that the ongoing series of weather disturbances in Northern Luzon has posed challenges to the timely distribution of aid, yet she assured that efforts are ongoing to support all affected individuals.
According to DSWD records, the typhoons have partially damaged 348 houses across the region, excluding Abra, with six homes being completely destroyed. Kalinga reported the highest number of damaged homes at 164, followed by Mountain Province with 82, Apayao with 46, Ifugao with 33, Benguet with 23, and Baguio City with six.
In addition to financial assistance, DSWD is collaborating with the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) to provide further support to those with partially damaged homes. Aplaten mentioned that onsite validations have been completed, and discussions are scheduled for the shelter cluster meeting. DHSUD-CAR director Antonette Annaban stated that they are actively addressing the issue, with reports and recommendations being prepared swiftly.
Local governments in the affected areas have also stepped up, offering additional support to homeowners. Aplaten emphasized the commitment to delivering assistance despite the challenging circumstances caused by the succession of typhoons.