Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strategically prepositioned three million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) across 938 warehouses nationwide in anticipation of incoming storms as the rainy season commences.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that this move aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aimed at safeguarding the well-being of Filipinos residing in regions susceptible to storms and flooding. "The President ordered us to ensure the safety and peace of mind of Filipinos frequently affected by storms and other calamities. The DSWD is implementing the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) that is why we have three million FFPs stockpiled for prompt and efficient disaster response operations," Gatchalian stated.

The BBH program is a comprehensive approach that integrates government and private sector resources, allowing for a swift and thorough response to natural disasters, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of affected families and individuals.

This announcement comes as a low-pressure area (LPA) located east of Eastern Visayas is anticipated to enhance the southwest monsoon, known locally as 'habagat', bringing rains over much of the country. Although the chances of the LPA developing into a tropical cyclone remain low, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned that the 'habagat' and the trough of the LPA could lead to moderate to heavy rains, potentially causing floods or landslides in areas including Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Soccsksargen, and the Visayas.