BAMBAN, Tarlac — The Provincial Government of Tarlac, in coordination with the Municipal Government of Bamban led by Mayor Jose Salting Jr., distributed 700 family food packs to residents of three barangays here on September 7, continuing relief operations despite persistent rains brought by the southwest monsoon.
Beneficiaries from Barangays San Vicente, Santo Niño, and Anupul received the assistance, which was provided through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the provincial government.
Governor Christian Yap personally led the distribution, emphasizing the province’s commitment to supporting affected families.
“Handang-handa ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Tarlac na umalalay at magdala ng mga programang direktang nakatutulong sa hapag-kainan ng bawat pamilyang Tarlaqueño,” Yap said.
The governor also expressed gratitude to the DSWD, the Bamban municipal government under Mayor Salting, and barangay officials for their continued cooperation in relief efforts.
State of calamity
The distribution came days after Tarlac was placed under a state of calamity due to continuous heavy rains and widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution 416-2026 on August 29, allowing local authorities to access emergency funds and expedite relief operations.
According to the Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, more than 300 barangays across the province have been affected by flooding, with Paniqui, Moncada, and Camiling among the hardest-hit municipalities. At least 40 evacuation centers remain open, sheltering over 2,000 families.
The province has also recorded damage to 43 flood control structures, excluding destroyed roads and bridges.
Sustained relief efforts
Governor Yap reiterated that the provincial government, in coordination with municipal and city governments, national agencies, and private sector partners, continues to address the needs of affected residents.
“Hindi po humihinto ang inyong pamahalaang panlalawigan sampu ng lahat ng mga munisipyo at siyudad sa buong Tarlac kasama ang mga national government agencies at private sector sa pagtugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
The DSWD has assured the public that all family food packs undergo rigorous quality control measures, including multi-level safety inspections and nutritional evaluations, before distribution to disaster-affected families.
Nationwide, the Office of Civil Defense reported that 1.8 million families, or approximately 6.5 million individuals, have been affected by recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced monsoon.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to forecast occasional rains over Tarlac and other parts of Central Luzon due to the prevailing southwest monsoon.
