The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the onset of El Niño, which is currently affecting the Provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan, leading to food inadequacy and water scarcity in the areas.
Several municipalities in the region particularly from the mentioned provinces have already been declared under the State of Calamity in which approximately 13,535 families, or around 64,125 individuals have been reported necessitating immediate relief and support.
In response to this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office MIMAROPA through the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) has mobilized resources to aid support to the affected families and individuals amounting to a total of Three Million One Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand Three Hundred pesos (₱3,183,300.00) worth of food to address the urgent needs of the affected communities and part of a broader initiative to mitigate the impact of El Niño.
In addition to the DSWD’s efforts, the Local Government Units (LGUs) have joined hands to provide support and assistance to the affected communities amidst the El Niño crisis in the affected provinces in the region.