Tacloban City, Leyte – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano–Soliman announced that relief distribution for Typhoon Yolanda victims in the city has been turned over to the local government unit (LGU).

“Sila po ay handa nang akuin ang katungkulang sila na ang magbigay ng mga relief goods para dito sa Tacloban, kaya nagkasundong, batay sa kanilang kahilingan, sila na ang mag-distribute (The local government is now ready to take over the relief distribution in Tacloban. So based upon their request, we agreed that they do the succeeding distributions),” Secretary Soliman said.

The goods from DSWD will be turned over to the Mayor and the City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) who will give out reliefs per barangay.

The Department will monitor said distribution while managing the evacuation centers.

“Hindi po tayo mauubusan ng relief goods (We will not run out of relief goods),” assured the Secretary.

She further reported that as of Novemrber 19, DSWD is about to complete its third round of distribution in the areas affected by the typhoon, having been giving out a total of 863,691 food and rice packs already.

When asked how she is doing and what is keeping her strong despite all the challenges, she simply smiled and pointed to the volunteers.

“Alam mo, nakukuha ko ang aking lakas mula sa kanila na mga nasalanta rin ng bagyo pero tumutulong sa kapwa at sa sarili (You know, I get my strength from them who, despite having been victims themselves, continue to help other),” she shared.

Secretary Soliman flew to this city on November 9 and has stayed since to lead in the relief operations. ###