P16-M aid given to Enteng victims

The government has provided more than P16 million worth of assistance to nearly 304,000 people affected by Tropical Storm Enteng, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said yesterday.

- ALEXIS ROMERO and DELON PORCALLA

In a Facebook post, the government’s lead communication arm said the aid was given to 303,938 persons or 80,078 families in eight storm-hit regions.

About P2.67 billion is available to the government for its relief efforts.

Citing data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the PCO said the storm had affected 76 barangays in Metro Manila, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas as of 6 a.m. yesterday.

The total cost of DSWD humanitarian assistance has reached P16.15 million. Of the available relief resources, food and non-food items account for P2.6 billion while P65.56 million are standby funds.

The DSWD said 14,607 families or 60,202 persons are in 441 evacuation centers, while 6,658 families or 26,576 individuals are seeking temporary shelter with their friends or relatives.

BBM: Sustained response

President Marcos gave assurance that the government is continuously responding to the effects of Enteng.

In a statement posted on Facebook last night, Marcos said electricity is being restored, and food, non-food items, communication equipment and health logistics were being provided.

Marcos urged local government units to “immediately respond to waste management issues” in the aftermath of Enteng.