Monday, 23 February 2026

Multi-sectoral response accelerates post-Basyang recovery in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Government agencies, the provincial government, and private partners continue to strengthen coordinated relief and recovery efforts in Surigao del Sur following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Basyang, in alignment with the national government’s whole-of-nation approach to disaster response and resilient recovery. Despite hazardous terrain and challenging road conditions, government responders pushed through to ensure that even geographically isolated communities were not left behind.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga dispatched 20,700 additional family food packs (FFPs) as augmentation support, bringing the total assistance delivered to 91,719 FFPs as of February 12. Non-food items, including 1,251 family clothing kits, 1,251 sleeping kits, and 1,251 kitchen kits, were also provided. The continued augmentation follows the directive of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian after the declaration of a state of calamity in the province, the hardest-hit area in the region. DSWD Caraga Director Mari-Flor Dollaga personally visited affected communities and coordinated with provincial and local government units to ensure the timely and targeted distribution of assistance.

Demonstrating inter-local government solidarity, the local government unit (LGU) of Carrascal also extended assistance to the municipality of Lanuza by delivering hygiene kits and food packs to families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang. The Carrascal Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council further approved a motion to provide financial assistance to the heavily affected municipalities to support ongoing recovery efforts.

At the provincial level, Governor Johnny Pimentel reaffirmed the commitment of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur to deliver swift and transparent aid. Financial and relief assistance for families with damaged homes is being processed in close coordination with the PDRRMO and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).

To restore agricultural productivity, the province coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, securing 272 bags of inbred rice seeds and 400 kilograms of rodenticides for distribution across 19 local government units. These interventions aim to help farmers immediately resume planting and protect crops from further losses.

Complementing government efforts, the GMA Kapuso Foundation conducted “Relief Operation Bayanihan” in partnership with the 36th Infantry ‘Valor’ Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Coast Guard. The operation ensured the organized and secure delivery of relief supplies to affected communities in the municipalities of Cortes and Lanuza, while the 36IB’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Team supported clearing operations and area assessments. Lieutenant Colonel Ante Jr. emphasized that the collaboration reflects the enduring Filipino spirit of ‘bayanihan’ or community unity, and called on more sectors to extend assistance as recovery continues.

The sustained collaboration among national agencies, local governments, uniformed services, and private organizations underscores a unified commitment to help Surigao del Sur rebuild stronger, restore livelihoods, and enhance disaster resilience in line with the administration’s agenda for inclusive and sustainable development. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)