Within hours of the building collapse in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had already deployed its "Angels in Red Vests" to the scene . Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally traveled to Pampanga to oversee relief operations, joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure "no one is left behind" in the delivery of government assistance . The swift response demonstrates the efficiency of the Philippines' disaster relief systems when tested.
DSWD Field Office 3 Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela was on hand to coordinate the distribution efforts, ensuring that affected individuals received immediate support while the agency assessed the situation for further interventions.
PHP10,000 Cash and Complete Relief Packs for Every Affected Individual
Each of the 34 affected individuals received a comprehensive aid package that addresses both immediate and medium-term needs . The DSWD distributed family food packs (FFP) containing essential food items good for a family of five for two days of consumption, hygiene kits with personal toiletries and products, and ready-to-eat food (RTEF) packs — self-contained Halal meals provided within 48 hours after a disaster when cooking facilities are limited . In addition, each victim received PHP10,000 in financial assistance under the agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The AICS program serves as a social safety net offering direct financial aid to help individuals meet essential needs such as food, medical care, and burial expenses . Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that this is just the initial response, with medical and burial assistance also prepared for confirmed fatalities.
Psychosocial Support and Whole-of-Government Coordination
Beyond material aid, the DSWD ensured that affected families received psychosocial support services to help them cope with the traumatic incident . "Tinitiyak din po natin na mayroong psychosocial interventions para sa mga pamilya, lalo na po doon sa mga nawalan ng mga mahal sa buhay at sa mga naghihintay pa rin ng balita tungkol sa mga nawawala nilang kaanak," Dumlao explained.
Secretary Gatchalian conducted an onsite inspection of the collapsed structure alongside Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II, DSWD Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, and other regional officials . The DSWD remains in close coordination with the Angeles City LGU and other concerned agencies to ensure a whole-of-government response . Dumlao assured that the department continues to monitor the situation on the ground and remains ready to provide additional interventions as needed .
