The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has quickly sent relief aid to families affected by the recent chemical spill in Bais City, Negros Oriental. The spill came from a distillery’s wastewater lagoon, which collapsed early Sunday morning, 26 October.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group said the Department wasted no time in responding to the incident.

“We immediately sent help to the families affected. This isn’t just an environmental issue — it’s also about people’s livelihoods and safety,” Dumlao said.

The DSWD distributed 6,594 family food packs (FFPs) to affected households. Dumlao also shared that the agency still has around P2.2 billion worth of stockpiles and P204.8 million in standby funds ready for ongoing and future relief operations.

According to the Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region, the lagoon wall collapsed after developing cracks from recent earthquakes, which heavy rains later worsened.