NATION

DSWD steps up flood response

Kate Villar · Jul 27, 2026, 2:44 AM

PERSONNEL from various agencies and departments of the Davao City government continue clearing and cleaning flood-hit areas in parts of the city after the Talomo River overflowed due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon. — PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy of city government of davao/FB

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified its disaster response operations in areas affected by flash floods brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclone "Kiyapo," deploying personnel, relief supplies and temporary shelters to assist displaced families.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency has mobilized its regional disaster response teams to support local government units in evacuation and relief efforts, particularly in Sarangani Province and General Santos City, where flooding forced residents from their homes.

“We are actively monitoring the situation inside and outside evacuation centers to ensure that the essential needs of affected families are met without delay,” Dumlao said.

Personnel from the DSWD Field Office in SOCCSKSARGEN have also been deployed to assess the conditions and immediate needs of internally displaced persons. Meanwhile, the agency’s Caraga Field Office dispatched two trucks carrying 175 family tents to the Davao Region to augment relief operations.

The DSWD said it has more than 4.7 million family food packs prepositioned nationwide for immediate distribution to affected communities.

“Our field offices are working around the clock to facilitate the rapid deployment of family tents and food packs to the hardest-hit provinces,” Dumlao added.

The department said it continues to coordinate closely with local government units to sustain relief operations until affected families can safely return to their homes, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure timely assistance for disaster-stricken communities.