CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated ₱24.3 million to help people in the Mimaropa region who have been severely affected by the dry spell caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

The funding initiative aims to support the hardest-hit communities across various provinces, ensuring they receive necessary assistance during this challenging period.

Recent data from DSWD indicates that a total of 219 barangays across the Mimaropa provinces have benefited from the agency's aid, encompassing 39,933 families or approximately 197,776 individuals. The assistance provided includes crucial supplies such as food packs and non-food items, addressing immediate needs amid adverse weather conditions.

El Niño has led to drastic changes in weather patterns, resulting in dry spells and harsh conditions that have adversely affected agricultural outputs and water supplies in many regions of the country, including Mimaropa. The DSWD's proactive approach focuses on distributing essential resources to ensure that affected families have access to basic necessities during this critical period.

Meanwhile, in order to ensure that the assistance from the agency will suffice, there is a standby fund amounting to ₱4,234,919.50, as well as a ₱166,642,426.23 cost of food and non-food items.

In addition to food and basic supplies, the DSWD is coordinating with local government units to implement further measures that will assist affected populations in recovering from the economic and environmental impacts of El Niño. This includes monitoring the situation closely and planning for long-term recovery strategies that are vital for restoring normalcy in the affected regions. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA)