The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas has mobilized relief efforts to support families in Capiz impacted by the recent southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones. As of July 23, the agency has distributed 1,782 family food packages valued at nearly P1 million to the hardest-hit communities.

According to the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), some 4,894 families, totaling approximately 24,374 individuals across 26 barangays in Sigma, Panay, and Maayon municipalities, have been affected by the severe weather conditions.

This initiative is part of a broader P38.5-million relief program for the Western Visayas region, underscoring the government’s commitment to swift disaster response. To ensure readiness for further needs, the DSWD has prepositioned standby funds amounting to P2.7 million, over 111,000 additional food packs, and more than 30,000 non-food items strategically across the region.

In addition to the DSWD’s efforts, local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other partners have contributed an extra P6.8 million in relief assistance, according to the latest DROMIC report.

The agency also reported that 33 families (154 individuals) have been displaced due to flooding and heavy rains, seeking refuge outside formal evacuation centers because their homes have become unsafe.

Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Atty. Sheila Artillero highlighted the significant impact of Tropical Storm "Crising" and the southwest monsoon on the province’s agricultural sector, especially rice farming, raising concerns about food security in rural areas.

"Before the weather disturbance escalated, the provincial government distributed roughly 8,000 food packs containing staples like rice, canned goods, and noodles, prioritizing fishermen and coastal communities in Roxas City and nearby municipalities," Artillero stated.

The relief distributions were coordinated through Task Force Pagdumdom, a multi-agency provincial task force dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of Capiz residents during natural disasters. This collaborative approach reflects the province’s resilience and the unity between government agencies and community stakeholders in addressing the crisis and supporting recovery efforts.