The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun delivering much-needed relief to families devastated by Tropical Storm Ramil, providing ₱720,925 worth of aid as its initial response.
According to DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the first wave of assistance includes 382 family food packs and 547 ready-to-eat food boxes for those hit hardest by the storm.
“We’ve started distributing relief aid to families affected by Bagyong Ramil,” Dumlao said. “We are working hand-in-hand with local government units to deliver quick relief and comfort to those in need — as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., especially during calamities.”
As of Sunday afternoon, Ramil has affected 14,500 families or over 30,000 individuals across 147 barangays in Regions II (Cagayan Valley), III (Central Luzon), V (Bicol Region), and VI (Western Visayas).
Among them, 3,028 families or 7,834 individuals are now taking refuge in 131 evacuation centers scattered across the affected regions.
In the Bicol Region, where sea travel was suspended, DSWD personnel rushed to deliver ready-to-eat meals to stranded passengers and immediately sent relief to Sorsogon, where Ramil first made landfall.
“Even with ongoing challenges — from earthquakes to successive storms — DSWD remains ready,” Dumlao added. “Our warehouses nationwide are stocked with nearly two million food packs, ensuring continuous replenishment of supplies. We stand with the President in making sure that no Filipino goes hungry during disasters.”
The department also holds ₱169 million in standby funds to sustain ongoing relief operations as more local governments request additional support.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that Ramil has affected over 20,000 people, displacing nearly 12,000 individuals.
Tragically, two deaths were confirmed — both from Pitogo, Quezon, where a massive buli tree collapsed on a home at the height of the storm.
As of the latest weather update, Ramil has moved over the West Philippine Sea, about 85 kilometers northwest of Iba, Zambales. It continues to pack winds of 65 kph and gusts reaching 80 kph, with Signal No. 2 still up in six Luzon areas and Signal No. 1 in 29 others.
Even as Ramil drifts away, thousands of families remain in urgent need — and the DSWD vows to stay on the ground, helping every Filipino rise back to safety and stability.
