The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has prepared 27,661 family food packs (FFPs) as part of the preparations for the possible impact of Tropical Storm Odette.
In an interview on Wednesday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-Bicol information officer, said the FFPs are now available at DSWD warehouses in Legazpi City, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Masbate.
“The FFPs were already prepositioned and ready for distribution upon request for augmentation of local government units (LGUs),” she said.
She also said the agency has prepared non-food items worth PHP24.7 million including tents–47; sleeping kits–2,456; family kits–1,378; hygiene kits–2,937; malong–16,697; laminated sacks –1,103 and blankets–16,330.
The DSWD-Bicol also has PHP3.1-million worth of raw food items, including rice, sardines, corned beef, and 3-in-1 coffee ready for augmentation.
“As for our manpower, we have a quick response team (QRT) ready 24 hours if the case is needed,” Mesa added.
The agency also has a PHP5-million standby fund that can be used if additional support is needed in different areas in the region during emergencies.
In its latest tropical cyclone bulletin at 11 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Odette” packs maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.
It was last tracked at 590 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Source: Philippines New Agency
