The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8 – Eastern Visayas continues to provide humanitarian assistance to truckers and porters affected by the San Juanico Bridge crisis.
As of June 11, the agency has distributed a total of 2,153 family food packs (FFPs), 518 bottles of drinking water, and ₱14,000 in cash aid to three individuals under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. These efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and local government units to ensure the timely delivery of relief assistance to those affected. Additionally, help desks have been established in key locations to facilitate ongoing response efforts.
Earlier today, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. visited the San Juanico Bridge to personally assess the situation, following the declaration of a State of Calamity in Eastern Visayas. His visit aimed to ensure that government response efforts are in place. During the visit, the President spoke with stranded truckers, porters, and other affected individuals from both Samar and Leyte. He also conducted an inspection of the bridge together with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Joining the President were Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Chief Jay Ruiz, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Basey Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada and Representative Sandro Marcos.
The humanitarian assistance being provided is part of the DSWD’s ongoing efforts in line with its mandate as the government agency responsible for promoting social welfare and development. The Department remains committed to supporting Filipino citizens in times of crisis through timely and coordinated relief operations.
