BACOLOR, PAMPANGA - Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the Provincial Government of Pampanga led the distribution of relief goods to 254 families displaced by severe flooding in Bacolor on Tuesday, August 19, bringing much-needed aid to residents staying at the Bacolor Integrated School and Mini Convention Center evacuation centers. The initiative is part of the national government's ongoing response as severe weather continues to affect nearly 5.4 million people across the country, with authorities verifying 27 weather-related deaths nationwide. Each family received boxes containing rice, canned goods, and other essential food supplies, ensuring that evacuees have access to basic necessities during this challenging time.
Government Leaders Join Forces to Deliver Aid
Bacolor, Pampanga. The distribution was attended by key officials including Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda, Vice Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda, Mayor Eduardo Datu, and Vice Mayor Ron Datu, underscoring the unified effort of national and local government in responding to the crisis. The relief operations come as Pampanga remains under the influence of the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat), which continues to bring rains to the province and other parts of Luzon. The 254 displaced families, many of whom have been staying at the Bacolor Integrated School and Mini Convention Center since the floodwaters rose, received immediate assistance to meet their daily needs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has prepositioned food packs across affected regions to ensure quick and efficient support delivery to local government units.
A Continuing Commitment to Disaster Response
Bacolor, Pampanga. The DSWD continues to coordinate with provincial and municipal governments to sustain relief operations as floodwaters remain high in many areas. The distribution comes as the Office of Civil Defense reported that 206 houses were destroyed and 1,787 others damaged due to recent extreme rainfall triggered by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, with over 12,000 families still sheltering in 461 evacuation centers nationwide. Secretary Gatchalian and Governor Pineda reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind, with the provincial government ready to provide additional assistance as needed. The Bacolor relief operation is part of a larger effort that has already provided over 797 million pesos in assistance to affected communities across the country.
