Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with local government officials on 12 November 2025, to discuss ways to expedite government assistance and services for the eight municipalities of Aurora.
Gatchalian, accompanied by Undersecretary Diana Rose S. Cajipe, met with Governor Isidro P. Galban, Congressman Rommel T. Angara, Vice Governor Patrick Alexis Angara, and the eight mayors of Aurora to strengthen coordination between the national and local governments.
The enhanced coordination aims to fast-track the delivery of aid and the implementation of rehabilitation programs for families affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.
World Health Organization representative Regis Chapman, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Administrator Shierwin Taay, and representatives from the Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Agriculture Office, and other government officials also attended the meeting.
The group discussed the current situation in areas hit by Super Typhoon Uwan, the necessary steps for immediate rehabilitation, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure government assistance reaches all affected Aurora residents.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the typhoon, the province of Aurora has been placed under a state of calamity, with more than 31,000 families—or 107,000 individuals—affected.
Secretary Gatchalian said the DSWD continues to provide immediate aid, including family food packs, emergency cash assistance, and psychological support to families whose homes and livelihoods were devastated.
He emphasized the importance of strong coordination and collaboration between national and local agencies to ensure that all residents of Aurora receive timely and sufficient government support.