Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday led the distribution of family food packs (FFPs) to jeepney drivers whose livelihoods were significantly affected by the combined effects of the weather disturbances.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian stated that the agency has allocated 3,500 boxes of FFPs for members of the transport group Pasang Masda to ensure they have food on their tables, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to government agencies.

"We all know that jeepney drivers have been unable to ply their routes for almost a week due to the flooded roads, and many of them were also flood victims. That's why we coordinated with Pasang Masda for the special distribution of food packs to the drivers," Gatchalian told reporters on the sidelines of the relief distribution in Tayuman, Manila. The DSWD chief said they will also assist 1,500 Pasang Masda members in Bulacan.

Gatchalian reiterated that the production of FFPs in the agency's main production hubs at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City and at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu province is continuous to ensure sufficient stocks for any eventuality.

"We assure the public, your DSWD is ready. Whatever calamity or challenge will come, we have sufficient food. In line with the directive of President Marcos, during these times, no Filipino will go hungry."