Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian distributed 980 family food packs amounting to P597,800 to Kanlaon Volcano evacuees during his visit to Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Gatchalian said he was in Negros Occidental on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to look into the situation of the families affected by the eruption.
“The assurance of our President is this: while you are here, the DSWD – our department -will continue to assist and support you, so please do not worry. The President specifically sent me here to check on your situation,” he said.
The DSWD is ready to supply assistance like food, water and other needs for evacuees as long as they need it, Gatchalian said.
He visited evacuees in Bago City and La Castellana, the DSWD 6 reported.
He told the evacuees to follow their mayors’ instructions because it is still dangerous to return to their areas.
“I know it may be a bit uncomfortable here, but the national government, the local government, and the provincial government are here. We will continue to help and support you,” he said.*