Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor has appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to distribute all prepositioned family food packs across municipalities affected by widespread flooding due to continuous rains in Oriental Mindoro.

The governor requested more food packs for areas that reported victims of the recent flooding.

The request follows the report of extensive flooding in 44 barangays, affecting 8,722 families or 41,777 individuals.

Among the hardest-hit areas are Baco, Naujan, Victoria, Socorro, and Calapan City.

Five of these barangays have seen residents displaced to evacuation centers, while others remain stranded in their communities.

In a letter addressed to DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Leonardo C. Reynoso, Governor Dolor stressed the immediate need for assistance, especially during the Christmas season.

“These food packs will alleviate the immediate hunger and needs of the displaced families, ensuring their welfare in this challenging time,” Dolor said in the letter.

According to the provincial government, the Municipality of San Teodoro has also reported damages, particularly affecting fisherfolk whose livelihoods have been disrupted by rough sea conditions. However, an official report from the municipality is still pending.

In a statement, Dolor shared updates on the province’s ongoing relief efforts: “Hiniling natin sa DSWD na ipamahagi na ang lahat ng mga naka-prepositioned na family food packs sa iba’t ibang bayan, samantalang humiling din tayo ng dagdag na family food packs para naman sa iba pang bayan na may naitalang biktima ng mga pagbaha dala ng sunod-sunod na araw ng pagulan. Kasalukuyan din pong nagre-repack ng relief goods ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan upang maipamahagi sa ating mga mamamayan. Mag-ingat po tayong lahat.”

The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro has started repacking relief goods for distribution to affected residents.

Dolor assured that the provincial government is coordinating with the DSWD to ensure the timely delivery of aid to those in need.

For inquiries, residents may contact the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office at 0917-109-5420.

Photo: Courtesy of Calapan City Update