In unity with our brothers and sisters who were affected by Typhoon Pablo, and along with other national government agencies led by the Office of the President, the Department of Social Welfare and Development cancelled all activities relating to the Department’s annual holiday celebration to harness all of its manpower for relief and rehabilitation efforts in all the areas affected by Typhoon Pablo.

Secretary Soliman ordered the cancellation of its annual department-wide Christmas party to continue assisting thousands of victims of typhoon “Pablo,” especially in Davao Oriental.  “Let us focus on the essential programs and services that are expected of the DSWD at this critical time,” Secretary Soliman said.

As of 8am today, December 13, affected at least 1.59 million people, with 59,764 individuals still being served in 55 evacuation sites.   A total of 188,296  families-evacuees composed of 795,220 persons who opted to stay with their friends and relatives are continuously being assessed and provided assistance.  ###