2020 has been a challenging year. After Typhoon Ursula struck late December last year, DSWD staff started the year by conducting relief operations on the ground in the affected municipalities in Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Biliran and Leyte. During these relief operations, DSWD, with the Local and Provincial Government Units and its partners including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Office of Civil Defense were able to distribute relief assistance worth P44,428,661.10.
A few months later, a different kind of disaster affected the Philippines. Cities and municipalities were placed under community quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because of the pandemic, the country was faced with another challenge, so Social Amelioration Programs, which includes the Emergency Subsidy, were implemented to help the people who were unable to earn due to the lockdown. Together with the Local Government Units, DSWD was again at the forefront in responding to the pandemic.
Amidst the disasters and pandemic, DSWD had alwas been active, from delivering Family Food Packs to the families affected by Ursula and Ambo, to the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program, DSWD will always be at the frontlines, in service of the people.
Now, as we celebrate the Disaster Resilience Month, we uphold the theme: “Sama-samang Pagsulong Tungo sa Katatagan sa Gitna ng Bagong Normal.”
Truly, the only way we can move forward in this pandemic is by helping each other. We keep in mind that each and every one should do his and her own part to prevent the spread of this disease. And we remind ourselves to wash hands, wear masks and to practice physical distancing.
Keep safe, Eastern Visayas!
