The DSWD Field Office Caraga has conducted an Inter-Agency Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) monitoring on September 16-17 at the municipalities of San Agustin and Tago, Surigao del Sur.
Facilitated by the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), the event was graced by Assistant Secretary Rodolfo “Rudy” M. Encabo, together with the Regional Disaster Response Committee (RDRC).
127 households, out of a targeted 151 were interviewed; 68 from San Agustin while 59 in Tago town. Both partially and totally damaged houses were randomly selected by each monitoring team. The result was the basis of the findings that later on was discussed during the focus group discussion (FGD) with the respective LGUs.
This was done to assess the impacts of the assistance provided and the project implemented relative to its viability and enhancement. Representatives from different agencies were present such as PNP, DOH, DPWH, NFA, DOLE, BFP, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
When Tropical Depression (TD) Vicky and Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Auring hit the country, six persons had died and displaced over 8,000 families in the region. This successional onslaught has so far brought a wider extent of damages in the region; destroying shelter and properties. With these effects, ESA, a program that provides assistance to affected households for shelter repair and reconstruction is implemented to address the needs of those families affected.
Asec Encabo commended the field office Caraga as it was the first inter-agency ESA monitoring that was implemented, and that he has attended. Notably, he addressed how the LGUs were participative in levelling-off the plans and interventions with the rest of the agencies.
“I am so grateful to be part of this very significant activity. Even more delighted to know and witness the eagerness of our LGUs to participate and level-off our plans and interventions,” Encabo stated.
“Seeing our beneficiaries’ smiles is a huge manifestation that what we have started here should be continued on,” he added.
