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February 10, 2026 | 12:00am
Rescuers evacuate a woman after Tropical Storm Penha hit the area in Iligan, Lanao del Norte province on February 6, 2026.
AFP / Merlyn Manos
MANILA, Philippines — Families severely affected by Tropical Storm Basyang, which pummeled many areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, have received P82 million in humanitarian assistance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said yesterday.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the aid included family food packs, ready-to-eat food boxes and non-food items such as hygiene, sleeping and kitchen kits as well as water containers and modular tents.
Dumlao said the DSWD is also providing “psychosocial first aid” for internally displaced persons and play therapy-based psychosocial activity for children.
“Our objective here is to ensure that all the needs of those affected by the storm will be met immediately and, in line with the President’s instructions, to make sure that government is there to support their recovery,” Dumlao said.
The assistance was distributed to families in Western, Central and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Negros Island Region, Caraga and Bicol.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian met on Feb. 7 with local chief executives of Northern Mindanao, one of the most affected regions, to determine other forms of assistance needed by the affected families.
Department of Public Works and Highways personnel continue clearing operations along major roads in Mindanao, according to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon.
Dizon ordered the deployment of DPWH quick response teams to fast-track the clearing and repair works on road sections that were rendered either impassable or with limited access in Regions 10 and 13.
Motorists are urged to remain cautious, follow traffic advisories and take alternative routes when necessary while rehabilitation and clearing operations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said a shear line is affecting the eastern sections of Southern Luzon and Visayas as the northeast monsoon affects the rest of Luzon. – Josiah Antonio
