SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided over PHP5.37 million worth of food packs for families affected by the El Niño phenomenon in five municipalities of Antique.

The department sent 8,833 family food packs in response to requests from municipalities of Sibalom, Anini-y, Hamtic, Patnongon, and San Remigio, said Social Welfare and Development Antique team leader Darlene Abagat on Friday.

Sibalom received 3,819 food packs; Anini-y, 411; Hamtic, 337; Patnongon, 865; and San Remigio, 3,401 food packs.

Abagat said they started the delivery even before the province declared a state of calamity on Thursday.

‘The DSWD, since April 12 until Friday morning, has already delivered 3,819 family food packs to Sibalom,’ she said.

Each food pack contains rice and canned goods such as sardines that could mitigate hunger among the affected households.

Abagat said the DSWD delivery of food packs depends on the availability of supplies at their warehouse.

She added that wi
th the province under a state of calamity, they expect other local government units to also request assistance.

Source: Philippines News Agency