SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro — As persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, disrupt livelihoods across Occidental Mindoro, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has stepped up the distribution of food packs to families and fisherfolk struggling with the weather-related disruption.
The latest assistance has reached communities whose livelihoods were directly affected by the bad weather, particularly fisherfolk who were unable to go out to sea.
According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), 564 fisherfolk in Mamburao and 818 fisherfolk in Lubang received Family Food Packs (FFPs) from DSWD MIMAROPA on August 8 and 10, respectively. The heavy rains had prevented fishing activities in the province during the week.
Another 35 displaced families in Calintaan also received food packs.
Each DSWD Family Food Pack contains rice, canned goods and powdered hot drinks and is designed to provide food for a family of five for about two days.
More relief is on the way
The assistance is not stopping with the initial distributions.
DSWD MIMAROPA has scheduled the distribution of another 1,434 Family Food Packs to affected families and individuals in Paluan, according to the PIA report. The agency is also continuing to coordinate with local government units and partner agencies while conducting monitoring, validation and documentation to identify communities requiring further intervention.
The response comes as the southwest monsoon continues to affect parts of the country.
Recent national reports have highlighted the scale of the weather disturbance across MIMAROPA. A recent report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer said more than 111,000 people in 168 barangays across Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro and Romblon were affected by the southwest monsoon and related weather disturbances.
The national government has likewise maintained heightened monitoring amid the continuing effects of Habagat. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed concerned government agencies to remain on heightened alert as rains and flooding affected various parts of the country.
DSWD keeps relief supplies ready
The Occidental Mindoro response is part of a broader effort by DSWD to ensure that food assistance can be delivered quickly when communities are affected by severe weather.
Earlier this month, DSWD said it had millions of Family Food Packs ready for distribution as the country faced weather threats. ABS-CBN reported on August 9 that about 5 million food packs were prepared for distribution, underscoring the government’s effort to maintain emergency food reserves.
For communities dependent on fishing, however, the problem goes beyond flooded roads or temporary displacement.
When rough seas and persistent rains prevent fishermen from working, families can lose their immediate source of income at the same time that food and other necessities become more difficult to obtain. The latest DSWD distributions in Mamburao and Lubang therefore provide immediate food support while local authorities assess the broader impact of the weather.
Relief now, recovery next
DSWD MIMAROPA said it continues to assess the situation and the needs of affected communities while coordinating with local governments and other agencies.
That monitoring will be crucial as authorities determine whether additional food assistance or other interventions will be necessary in areas where fishing and other livelihoods remain disrupted.
For now, the message from the relief operation is clear: food assistance is reaching affected families, but the response is still evolving as authorities monitor the continuing effects of Habagat.
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