In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Typhoon ‘Nina’, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is calling for volunteers to pack the contents of relief boxes for those affected by the typhoon which struck the Bicol region last night.

Those who are interested to volunteer may directly coordinate with DSWD staff at mobile number 09778109950. Police and military personnel are already at the NROC warehouse assisting in the repacking of relief goods.

To date, there are 27,085 families or 116,154 persons affected in 395 barangays in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V and VIII.

Meanwhile, 22,078 families or 93,271 persons are currently staying in 367 evacuation centers while 1,206 persons or 5,243 families chose to stay with relatives or friends.

As of 4pm today, a total of 16,155 passengers remain stranded in 20 seaports; 2 in CALABARZON, 3 in MIMAROPA, 11 in Region V, and 4 in Region VIII.

To date, a total of ₱7,112,134.00 worth of relief assistance has been provided to the affected families. Of the said amount, the Department provided ₱6,249,254.00 while the LGUs provided a total of ₱862,880.

Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo appealed to typhoon victims not to hesitate to approach their respective local government units because relief goods have already been prepositioned to them.

“Huwag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa inyung mga lokal na pamahalaan kung anuman ang inyung mga pangangailangan, at ireport din agad sa mga awtoridad kung may maobserbahan kayong iregularidad sa pamamahagi ng tulong, (Please do not hesitate to go to your LGUs whatever your needs are, and also immediately report to authorities if you observe any irregularities in the distribution of relief goods.), Sec. Taguiwalo underscored.

DSWD disaster teams continue to coordinate closely with affected LGUs in disaster relief operations and in managing evacuation centers. ###