Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) distributed 307,291 family food packs valued at PHP215.1 million in 2025, an official announced Monday. Lennon Remotigue, head of the Disaster Response and Management Division, detailed the distribution efforts aimed at supporting displaced families in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-11 also delivered 10,059 non-food items worth PHP18 million to families residing in evacuation centers. These non-food items include essential family, sleeping, and kitchen kits, providing necessary support to those affected by disasters. Currently, there are 90,901 family food packs prepositioned at warehouses located in Panacan and Bago Oshiro, Davao City, ensuring readiness for future emergencies.

Remotigue emphasized the role of local government units as first responders during disasters, with DSWD-11 stepping in to provide additional support when local resources are exhausted. 'If LGUs request [for] FFPs, especially when their funds are exhausted, that's when DSWD intervenes,' he stated during a press briefing.

The department's proactive measures include preparedness planning, risk monitoring, and strategic positioning of supplies before calamities. During emergencies, DSWD-11 leads the Food and Non-Food Item Cluster, augmenting resources available to local government units. Post-disaster support provided by the agency covers financial aid, shelter assistance, and livelihood interventions.

'In terms of disaster, rest assured that DSWD-11 is ready to provide resource augmentation to our LGUs,' Remotigue assured, highlighting the department's commitment to supporting the region in times of need.