LUNA, Apayao – Around 600 families in Apayao received a lifeline of support as they grappled with the aftermath of Super Typhoon (ST) Egay that struck the province last July 26 and 27.
Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), spearheaded the distribution of family food packs to 300 families, and financial aid amounting to 10,000 pesos each to another 300 affected families.
Said distribution took place at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex (AETSC) in Luna, where families affected by ST Egay gathered to receive the much-needed assistance carried out under the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
ST Egay struck the northern part of the country with unprecedented force and left many provinces reeling from the destruction and loss. The strong winds and torrential rains caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, leaving numerous families displaced and struggling to meet their basic needs.
Notably, Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang took the initiative to secure funding for the said assistance and collaborated with the provincial government and the DSWD to ensure prompt aid to those facing difficult circumstances due to the calamity.
The provincial government and concerned national line agencies joined hands with DSWD in facilitating the distribution and providing assistance to their constituents in every way possible.
“Agyaman tayo ken Apo Dios ta awan unay nadangran ditoy probinsiya tayo. Anusan tayo lang bassit iti pumila ta 600 kayo amin nga maikkan. Pagraramanan tayo nu anyaman iti maited iti gobyerno tayo ngem adun tu pay sumaruno. Haan nga maangay daytoy nu awan iti kooperasyon ken kolaborasyon iti tunggal maysa kanya tayo,” Gov. Bulut, Jr. said in his message.
During the distribution, 300 families received a family food pack containing essential food items to sustain them for several days, and other necessary supplies to help families cope with the challenging living conditions brought about by the disaster.
Furthermore, 300 families likewise received financial aid of 10,000 pesos each. The cash assistance is expected to alleviate some of the immediate financial burdens they are facing, as they begin rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
Moreover, DSWD, together with other government agencies and local authorities, will continue to monitor the situation and extend necessary aid to ensure the well-being and recovery of the affected families.
According to DSWD-SWAD Team Leader Gretchen Garcia, they are prioritizing the families who evacuated before the onslaught of the typhoon in order to encourage more people to preemptively evacuate.
ST Egay may have caused significant devastation, but the spirit of unity and resilience exhibited by yApayaos reflect the strength of the Filipino spirit in times of crisis. With all the support and collective efforts, affected communities can slowly but surely rebuild from this disaster. By JC Marquez
