Iloilo: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) has prepared PHP169.17 million worth of prepositioned relief supplies and standby funds to support local government units as the southwest monsoon, known locally as "habagat," intensified by Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi), poses a threat to the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, DSWD-6 had 24,002 family food packs and 29,862 ready-to-eat food packs available at its warehouse in Oton, Iloilo. Additionally, the agency has prepositioned 147,883 family food packs and 3,624 ready-to-eat food packs across 74 local government units in Western Visayas, along with PHP3 million in standby funds to address the potential impact of the severe weather.

The department has also prepared 1,189 sleeping kits, 2,506 hygiene kits, 5,142 kitchen kits, 980 modular tents, 1,067 family kits, and 126 laminated sacks for distribution if necessary.

In a statement released Thursday, DSWD-6 announced that Regional Director Joselito Estember placed the agency's operations center under blue alert on Wednesday evening. "The directive was issued following the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council VI's declaration of blue alert due to the expected strengthening of the southwest monsoon, which may bring heavy rains across parts of Western Visayas," the statement highlighted.

This blue alert ensures that government agencies are fully prepared to respond promptly to the possible adverse effects of severe weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Western Visayas reported the suspension of in-person classes in 16 local government units, affecting 489 schools and 117,296 learners. Schools in 15 local government units in Antique and one in Iloilo province have shifted to an alternative mode of learning, as outlined in the report.