QUEZON CITY, Philippines – An inter-agency group led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spearheaded an on-going package of services to Typhoon Yolanda survivors who temporarily sought refuge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces but are now ready to go back to their respective hometowns in Eastern Visayas.
Dubbed “Balik sa Bayan,” the beneficiaries are provided with financial assistance, transportation assistance, and health services. They are also given pabaon packs containing relief goods, blankets, and mats; shelter kits with construction materials and basic carpentry tools; starter kits; and, a mobile phone.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the program aims to assist the survivors in their early recovery and reintegration to their respective communities.
Currently being processed for the assistance are those who were temporarily housed at the different facilities managed by the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations, and those who can no longer be accommodated by their relatives due to their limited resources.
As of January 23, a total of 77 families composed of 212 individuals who were accommodated at the DSWD-managed Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City and at the Tent City in Pasay City have been sent home.Other agencies working on the implementation of the program are Department of Health (DOH), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Salubong Movement, PLDT-Smart Foundation, and the different LGUs.
