Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman flew to Zamboanga City today to personally oversee the situation of families in the different evacuation centers who were displaced by the on-going conflict between government forces and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

According to Secretary Soliman, since Monday, DSWD-Region IX augmented the city government with family food packs and hot meals to the evacuees in the amount of P1,091,150.  She gave the assurance that the DSWD will continue to extend relief aid to affected families.

Secretary Soliman added that non-government organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) also donated goods consisting of bottled water, noodles, rice, sardines, bread and biscuits in the amount of P1,061,856. Others also provided used clothings.  The city government also provided hot meals in the amount of P1 million.

As of 2pm today, 3,013 families composed of 14,322 individuals were displaced by the on-going clash. Of this number, 1,226 families composed of 5,632 persons are staying in 15 evacuation centers.

The evacuees are spread in the different evacuation centers located in Zamboanga City Grandstand, Martha Drive, Mampang Elementary School, Zambowood Elementary School,   Lunzuran Barangay Hall, and Tetuan Parish Church.

There are also displaced families staying at the DPWH compound, Putik Elementary School, Mormons Tetuan, Home for Women, and Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCPD).

DSWD-Field Office IX  set-up three community kitchens to provide hot meals to family-evacuees at  the grandstand.

Likewise, DSWD social workers initiated the conduct of Supervised Neighborhood Play for children-evacuees, in coordination with a group of volunteers.  Bread and juice packs were  provided to the children attending the play session.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office and private hospitals  also set-up an emergency hospital at the grandstand where all victims will be provided with medical assistance. #