DSWD aids families affected by wastewater spill in Negros Oriental
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided relief assistance to residents affected by the recent chemical spill from a distillery wastewater lagoon in Bais City, Negros Oriental, which collapsed on 26 October 2025.
“Agad nating pinaabot ang tulong sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng insidente. Hindi lamang ito usaping pangkalikasan, kundi usapin din ng kabuhayan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” (“We immediately extended help to the families affected by the incident. This is not only an environmental issue but also a concern for livelihood and safety,”) said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) on 31 October 2025.
Dumlao said the DSWD has released a total of 6,594 family food packs (FFPs) to affected families while maintaining P2.2 billion worth of stockpiles and P204.8 million in standby funds to support ongoing and future relief operations.
According to the Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region (EMB–NIR), the spill occurred after the wall of the 20-hectare wastewater lagoon collapsed, reportedly due to earthquake-induced cracks that were worsened by heavy rains.
Dumlao, who also serves as the DSWD spokesperson, said the Department continues to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that affected families receive necessary aid.
“Habang nagsasagawa ng paglilinis at imbestigasyon ang mga kinauukulan, patuloy din ang ating pagtutok sa kalagayan ng mga pamilyang maaaring naapektuhan ng polusyon sa tubig o pagkawala ng kabuhayan,” (“While authorities conduct cleanup and investigation, we continue to monitor the condition of families who may have been affected by water pollution or loss of livelihood,”) Dumlao said.
She also assured residents that the agency’s warehouses and field offices remain stocked with relief goods and non-food items should additional support be needed.
“Handa ang DSWD na magbigay ng karagdagang tulong anumang oras. Nakikipag-ugnayan tayo sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para matiyak na walang pamilyang maiiwan, alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian,” (“The DSWD is ready to provide additional assistance at any time. We are coordinating with local governments to ensure that no family is left behind, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Secretary Rex Gatchalian,”) Dumlao added.
