10,200 relief packs by DSWD in Kalibo

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Aling Nena, mother of five children, of Sitio Kawatihan in Pook, Kalibo, Aklan did not expect she will receive assistance from the national government nine months after Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Aklan.

On Thursday morning, Aling Nena and his youngest son, lined up in Kalibo Magsaysay Park for the relief distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Relief supplies were distributed in coordination with the local government of Kalibo for the families who were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013. 

A 67-year old woman, who survived the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, also tried to hold back her tears when volunteers started to distribute the supplies. She was an evacuee after strong winds destroyed their house in Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan. 

“Maabu nga bulig dayang relief supplies kamon, saeamat gid (Thanks for the supplies you gave us),” she said. 

Lolly Espino, municipal social welfare officer, said the distribution of 10,235 relief supplies for Yolanda victims covers the families of partially and totally damaged houses in 16 barangays of the town of Kalibo. 

The relief supplies are part of the ongoing assistance of DSWD for typhoon-stricken areas in the region. The relief packs contained 10 cans of sardines, 10 packs of noodles, 10 packs of coffee, and 10 cans of corned beef.

“May 25 kilos of rice pa from DSWD to be distributed to the beneficiaries,” Espino said. 

DSWD regional office sent the relief supplies last Monday through Kalibo mayor William Lachica from Iloilo City. The goods were transported by three trucks to Kalibo. 

Last week, the Asean Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) and the Malaysian government distributed bags of rice to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.