By Jose Cielito Reganit | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) is on full alert to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the effects of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and a low pressure area (LPA).
“We are ensuring that even on government work suspension, our frontline disaster response personnel across the country are on standby and closely monitoring the situation everywhere. This is crucial so we can send help immediately where it is much-needed,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DRMG said in a statement on Monday.
The DSWD spokesperson said the agency has over 2 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in agency warehouses nationwide, ready to be distributed for timely relief operations.
This is complemented by over 116,858 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes prepositioned in key ports for those who may possibly get stranded due to suspended sea travel.
The RTEFs will also serve as an immediate food source for evacuees, ensuring that their basic needs are met while local government units (LGUs) work to establish community kitchens.
The DSWD also has 313,197 non-food items (NFIs) such as family, hygiene and kitchen kits, blankets, and modular tents that can be provided to those who will be urged to take temporary shelter in evacuation centers.
Dumlao said tight coordination between the DSWD and LGUs is continuous in line with the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“We will see to it that we will act fast to augmentation requests from our LGUs. Ang mahalaga, gaya nga ng laging binabanggit ng ating Pangulo [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.], walang Pilipinong magugutom sa gitna ng sakuna,” she said.
The DSWD, as a member-agency of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), will be coordinating for any crucial update on the impact of the active weather disturbances, particularly with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
As of 8 a.m. Monday, the LPA was located 670 km. east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes. The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, is affecting the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas, and the northern section of Mindanao, according to the PAGASA.
The weather agency also issued general flood advisories in 13 regions as of 6:00 a.m.
“We are urging our kababayans to be vigilant and heed all orders from their local government units for their safety,” Dumlao said. (PNA)
