DSWD raises ‘blue alert’ status as ‘Ada’ approaches PH

By Brian Campued

To ensure a whole-of-government approach and intensify disaster preparedness as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Thursday raised its alert status to “blue,” as Tropical Depression Ada approaches the eastern section of the country.

In a news release, DSWD spokesperson ASec. Irene Dumlao noted that over 2.7 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) are already prepositioned across the country, ready for distribution to those who will be affected by the tropical cyclone.

“Ang buong DSWD, kabilang ang aming mga Field Offices (FO), ay patuloy na naghahanda at nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan na madadaanan ni Bagyong Ada,” Dumlao said.

As of the 11:00 a.m. update of the state weather bureau, Ada continues to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may become a tropical storm within the day.

The storm is expected to affect Caraga, Eastern Visayas, and Bicol Region until the weekend.

Dumlao added that food assistance would be provided, if needed, to those who will be stranded in ports due to the suspension of sea travel.

She assured that other interventions are readily available, including the agency’s mobile kitchens, mobile water stations, and mobile command centers.

Meanwhile, the DSWD, through its Field Office 5, continues to bolster its relief efforts to families affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest. 

Dumlao said that over P7.8 million in humanitarian aid has been provided to affected communities in Bicol, such as FFPs, ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, and non-food items (NFIs).

-jpv