The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has provided more than PHP7 million in food assistance to 9,810 families across 37 villages in Albay and Camarines Norte, impacted by the shear line. The distribution took place over the weekend, as announced by DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio on Monday.
In Albay, PHP4,358,690 worth of family food packs were distributed to 6,139 families in 15 barangays of Malinao town, which suffered from the shear line’s effects from December 2024 to January 2025. Additionally, PHP1,428,768 in food packs were given to 1,968 families in Tabaco City.
In Camarines Norte, over PHP1.3 million in food packs reached 1,703 farmers and fisherfolk in three barangays of Sta. Elena town, specifically 550 in San Isidro, 583 in Don Tomas, and 570 in Tabugon. These areas were hit hard by flooding and heavy rainfall, severely affecting the livelihoods of these communities.
Laurio emphasized that the DSWD-5’s Disaster Response Management Division is tirelessly working to extend relief and support to other economically affected areas in the region. The initiative aims to immediately address the food needs of families whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the ongoing effects of the shear line.