President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure no victim of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine is left hungry.

In a Malacañan press briefing on Thursday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the President also tasked the DSWD to extend immediate financial assistance to storm victims.

He said the President directed the DSWD to maintain ongoing relief operations in all areas severely hit by the storm.

“Makakasa ho kayo na tuloy-tuloy po ‘yan – ‘yan ang instruction sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulo na walang pamilya, o walang biktima ng kalamidad ang magugutom,” Gatchalian assured.

“Pangalawa, kapag bumaba na ho ang tubig baha sisiguraduhin naman natin na ang mga cash relief or cash assistance magsisimula na sa mabilis na panahon,” he added.

Gatchalian said DSWD has enough budget to meet the victims’ financial needs.

“Let me categorically say that the DSWD has available funds ready to mobilize financial assistance in the coming days,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the funds are always available, in addition to their regular assistance and disaster relief funds.

During the Palace briefing, Gatchalian reaffirmed the government’s commitment that all storm victims will receive the necessary assistance. | PND