ILOILO CITY, March 16 -- Agencies under the response committee of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDDRRM) have released PHP16.28 million in relief assistance to victims of various disasters that happened in Western Visayas this first quarter of 2024.

In a report during the RDRRMC first quarter full council meeting held virtually on Friday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided the highest assistance amounting to PHP11.74 million, local government units shared PHP2.83 million, and from other sources at PHP1.71 million.

"The first quarter of the year recorded 164 incidents, which is three times higher than the first quarter last year that we have recorded," the DSWD said.

Of the 164...