DSWD Brings Aid to Flood-Stricken Island Barangays in Dagupan City Despite Heavy Rains

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended much-needed assistance to residents of two flood-stricken island barangays in Dagupan City, even as intermittent heavy rains continue to make the areas difficult to reach. The aid mission, carried out by DSWD Field Office 1 (Ilocos Region), brought relief goods directly to the communities of Lomboy and Salapingao, where many families depend on fishing for their daily livelihood.

This delivery of family food packs and hygiene kits, coordinated through local government units (LGUs), comes at a critical time for the city, which has been grappling with the devastating effects of the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat. The situation has placed immense strain on residents, particularly those in the most vulnerable and isolated communities, as they navigate the challenges of rising floodwaters and disrupted sources of income.

A City Under Water: The State of Calamity

Dagupan City was placed under a state of calamity on Monday, August 10, 2026, following widespread flooding triggered by torrential rains. This formal declaration is a crucial step in mobilizing resources for the city's response and recovery efforts. According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Situational Report No. 15, a staggering 23 of the city's 31 barangays remained flooded, painting a grim picture of the extent of the disaster.

The numbers are sobering. A total of 22,047 families, or 90,015 individuals, across all 31 barangays have been affected by the floods. In a proactive move to ensure safety, 65 families, comprising 202 individuals, were preemptively evacuated to six designated evacuation centers. These centers have become temporary homes for those who had to leave their own residences behind, highlighting the immediate and ongoing need for support and shelter.

Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez, in a Facebook post in Filipino, explained that the state of calamity declaration was designed to "expedite the use of necessary funds and resources for relief, response, rehabilitation, and other immediate needs of residents." This administrative measure also includes the implementation of price controls on basic necessities and prime commodities, along with strict monitoring to prevent overpricing, profiteering, and hoarding-a critical safeguard for consumers during a time of crisis when supplies can become scarce and prices volatile.

Reaching the Isolated: Aid for Lomboy and Salapingao

The focus of the DSWD's recent mission was on the island barangays of Lomboy and Salapingao, communities that face unique challenges during flooding due to their geographic isolation. The intermittent heavy rains made these areas particularly difficult to access, but the agency was determined to ensure that no community was left behind. By bringing the aid directly to the residents, the DSWD and the LGU are working to bridge the gap between relief operations and the people who need them most.

For the residents of these island communities, many of whom are fisherfolk, the impact of the Habagat goes beyond flooded homes and streets. It directly threatens their livelihood. With rough seas and unpredictable weather, fishing trips become dangerous and less frequent, leading to a sharp decline in income. The arrival of family food packs and hygiene kits provides a vital safety net, helping families meet their basic needs while their primary source of income remains compromised.

The assistance is a tangible expression of the government's commitment to its citizens, especially those in the most precarious situations. It underscores the importance of targeted relief efforts that consider each community's circumstances, ensuring aid reaches even the most geographically isolated barangays.

Voices from the Community: The Human Cost of Habagat

Beyond the statistics and official reports, the true impact of this calamity is felt in the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos. GMA Regional TV reported that fisherfolk in the area also received financial aid, a crucial supplement to the in-kind donations. Arcadio Melendez, a fisherman from the island barangay of Lomboy, lined up for a cash grant worth P2,325. His words capture the essence of the hardship many are facing: "Mahalaga sa amin na mahirap ang buhay. Pamibili ng mga bigas, ulam, at pambaon ng bata." (It matters to us because life is hard. It will buy rice, ulam, and the children's baon.)

Melendez's statement is a powerful reminder that behind every number is a family striving to make ends meet. The cash grant is not just a sum of money; it is a means to put food on the table, to provide for children's school needs, and to offer a glimmer of hope during a difficult period. His story is representative of the resilience of the Filipino spirit, the determination to persevere even when the waters rise and the catch is scarce.

This sentiment echoes the spirit of bayanihan, the communal unity and cooperation that Filipinos are known for. In times of crisis, neighbors help neighbors, and communities come together to support one another. The government's relief efforts are a crucial part of this, but the strength and resilience of the affected residents themselves are equally important in the long road to recovery.

Ongoing Response and Monitoring

Mayor Fernandez has stated that several major roads in the city remain impassable to light vehicles, complicating movement and logistics. In response, classes at all levels have been suspended for seven consecutive days, a decision made to ensure the safety of students and school personnel. The local government unit has committed to continuously monitor the status of the barangays, with the CDRRMO, barangay personnel, rescue teams, and health workers on alert for any immediate response needed.

The situation remains fluid, and the focus is on both immediate relief and long-term recovery. The LGU's commitment to monitoring is vital, as the situation can change rapidly with continued rainfall. The presence of rescue teams and health workers on standby ensures that the city is prepared to respond to any new emergencies that may arise, from medical needs to further evacuations.

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau PAGASA, in its 4 p.m. weather forecast, said the Habagat will continue to bring rains in Luzon and the western sections of Visayas in the next 24 hours. This indicates that the threat of further flooding and rainfall is not yet over, and communities must remain vigilant. PAGASA is also monitoring Tropical Storm Peilou outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 2 p.m., Peilou was located 2,980 km east of extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 90 km/h, moving eastward at 35 km/h. While it is currently outside the PAR, its movement is being closely watched.

Price Controls to Protect Consumers

Beyond relief goods, the state of calamity declaration carries a practical safeguard for families who still have money to spend: price controls. Mayor Fernandez said the declaration includes the implementation of price controls on basic necessities and prime commodities, along with strict monitoring to prevent overpricing, profiteering, and hoarding. During a crisis, when supply chains are disrupted and goods become scarce, this measure is meant to keep everyday items like rice, canned goods, and other essentials within reach of ordinary households.

For families in Dagupan, where many residents rely on daily wages from fishing, driving, and small sari-sari store trade, the combination of in-kind aid and market protection matters. The cash grant received by fisherfolk like Arcadio Melendez complements the family food packs, giving households both immediate food security and a little flexibility to buy what their families specifically need. Local officials have committed to strict monitoring of prices as the city continues its recovery, with the local government unit keeping watch over the barangays.

Wider Impact Across Pangasinan

The flooding in Dagupan City is part of a larger weather event affecting the entire province of Pangasinan. GMA News reported that 56,000 people were affected as floods worsened across the province. In Dagupan City, rescue trucks continued to patrol flooded communities, evacuating residents from danger zones. In Barangay Pogo Grande, some areas became difficult to pass through as floodwaters rose above waist level, demonstrating the severity of the situation on the ground.

This wider context highlights the scale of the challenge facing local governments and national agencies alike. The coordination between the DSWD, the city government, and other response units is crucial in ensuring that aid is distributed efficiently and that no one is left stranded.

For the residents of Dagupan, particularly those in the island barangays, the road to recovery will be long. The assistance they are receiving now is a lifeline, but the rebuilding of homes, communities, and livelihoods will require continued support and resilience. The coming days and weeks will be critical as the city works to recover from this devastating natural event, with the hope that the rains will finally subside and allow life to slowly return to normal.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News, Philippine News Agency, PIA.