The assistance was implemented through the Food for Work and Food for Training Programs of the Early Recovery and Rehabilitation Section (ERRS) of DSWD 6’s Disaster Response Management Division amounting to a total of P11,081,563.23.

DSWD Regional Director lawyer Carmelo N. Nochete assured the public of the agency's response to the needs of affected families in the region.

“Responding to El Nino-affected families is a priority of DSWD Field Office VI. Rest assured that we are doing our best to help them thrive amid this phenomenon and usher them toward survival and recovery,” said Nochete.

Under the Food for Training program, 5,103 beneficiaries have received a total of P3,150,157 worth of assistance, which is equivalent to 5,460 Family Food Packs (FFP).

The beneficiaries were identified through the help of the concerned Local Social Welfare and Development Office in every municipality.

Meanwhile, a total of 11,893 FFPs or P7,931,406.23 worth of assistance, were also given to participants in return for their work rendered under the Food for Work program. The work rendered includes clearing and rehabilitation of roads and canals in their respective areas.

To note, the said programs are being offered by DSWD to help vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and families, especially during this drought season due to the El Niño phenomenon.

The latest progress report of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (RDRRMC) Disaster Response Committee, chaired by the DSWD 6, showed that El Niño has affected a total of 15,417.19 hectares of planted areas of rice, corn, and high-value crops in the region, resulting in a total production loss of P761,240,675.78, as of March 14, 2024.