Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday activated the quick response teams (QRT) of concerned field offices along the path of Tropical Depression Ramil for possible relief operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) assured that the agency has sufficient relief supplies prepositioned in strategic areas for prompt delivery to communities that may be affected by the weather disturbance. Secretary Rex Gatchalian, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., instructed field offices to coordinate with local governments to ensure that family food packs (FFPs) and other emergency relief items are ready for those impacted by Ramil.
Dumlao emphasized that the DSWD has heightened its readiness measures to ensure the immediate deployment of food and non-food items when needed, aiming to prevent delays in the distribution of relief assistance once the cyclone's effects are felt. The DSWD has strategically prepositioned enough FFPs in its hubs, spokes, and last-mile facilities and maintains available stockpiles of non-food relief items, such as sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and kitchen kits, to support families who might be placed in evacuation centers.
Ramil marks the 18th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issuing Wind Signal No. 1 in some parts of Luzon and the Visayas due to the weather disturbance. In addition to the preparations for Ramil, the DSWD is also prepared to assist families and individuals affected by the magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck Surigao del Norte and neighboring areas on Friday morning.
Dumlao reiterated that in every calamity, the aim of the DSWD is to quickly deliver relief to Filipino families. The agency continues to cooperate with local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies to maintain a quick and orderly disaster response.
