President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. together with NDRRMC Chair Gilbert Teodoro, NDRRMC Vice Chair Benhur Abalos Jr., and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Tacloban City today, November 23, 2023, for a situation briefing on the combined effects of Shear Line and Low Pressure Area, affecting 114,260 families in Eastern Visayas.

During the briefing, Secretary Gatchalian ensured the ongoing provision of assistance to families and individuals affected by the disaster, aligning with President Marcos’ directive for all government agencies to speed up relief operations in the affected areas. Gatchalian said that DSWD has already prepared over 100,000 food packs for distribution to the affected families of the severely affected provinces – Eastern and Northern Samar. He added that DSWD is also finalizing the list of families and individuals whose homes were damaged. The list will determine the financial aid they get from the government to rebuild their houses.

The briefing was also joined by Regional Director Grace Subong, currently in Catarman, Northern Samar, overseeing the distribution of Family Food Packs to affected families and individuals.

Photo Courtesy: Zen Danga