Quezon city: As Tropical Depression Crising brings heavy rains to the country, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that the agency's relief resources are in place and disaster response teams are activated for any eventuality. The agency's Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) at the Central Office has been placed on red alert status 24/7, following the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum No. 170, s. 2025.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD's DRCC serves as the central hub for coordinating and implementing disaster response operations. With the red alert status, additional DSWD personnel will be on duty to expedite necessary disaster operations. "The command center operates to match evacuation center needs with the nearest warehouse that has available goods. Immediate assistance to disaster victims is crucial," Gatchalian stated during an inspection of the DRCC.
Ahead of "Crising", the DSWD has prepositioned 3 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) across 934 storage hubs nationwide. This effort is supported by the continuous production of new relief supplies at the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City. Gatchalian emphasized that these proactive measures align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure that government aid reaches disaster-hit communities promptly.
The DSWD chief reassured the public that if the effects of Crising worsen and evacuations become necessary, affected families will not face hunger. All Field Offices nationwide have been instructed to deploy disaster response personnel and distribute relief goods swiftly to areas in need. "All personnel are required to remain at their posts until the storm passes, ensuring stockpiles are ready to support local government units," Gatchalian added.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group announced that disaster response personnel would be deployed to the NDRRMC Operation Center in line with the red alert status. "We are deploying personnel to the OCD for efficient coordination to respond quickly to LGU requests," Dumlao explained at a media forum.
As of the latest update, the DSWD has PHP2.9 billion in standby funds and stockpiles, including over 3 million FFPs, 28,107 ready-to-eat food boxes, and 334,791 non-food items.
In related developments, the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has also raised a red alert status in response to TD Crising. Memorandum Circular 96-2025 activated the Cordillera Emergency Operations Center to maintain synchronized monitoring and provide situational updates. Office of Civil Defense regional officer-in-charge Jose Ignacio Valera called for preemptive evacuations in high-risk areas. DSWD's Assistant Regional Director Enrique Gascon Jr. confirmed that quick response teams are operating 24/7, with PHP79.7 million worth of standby supplies ready for deployment. No affected families have been reported as of now.
