Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has taken proactive measures by preparing 335,598 family food packs (FFPs) as Southern Luzon and Visayas brace for the potential impacts of a low-pressure area (LPA). These preparations are in response to monitoring by the state weather bureau.
According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, chief of the DSWD-5 Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD), stated in a phone interview that the food packs have been strategically positioned in various warehouses across the region, ready for dispatch at a moment's notice. In addition to the food packs, there are 36,246 non-food items, 22,086 ready-to-eat food units, and 49,176 other non-food items on standby.
A PHP3 million standby fund has been allocated to facilitate the immediate purchase of additional food packs or other necessary supplies. Villareal emphasized that the DSWD-5, in collaboration with the DRMD, is actively monitoring weather advisories and maintaining continuous coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies.
The agency has also engaged with LGUs to prepare evacuation centers in anticipation of the possible weather disturbance. Villareal mentioned that the DRMD has participated in Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment scenario-building meetings with RDRRMCs and LGUs. As the lead agency for Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) during disasters, DSWD-5 is prepared to activate the CCCM subcluster when necessary.
Additional resources include a mobile command center, two mobile kitchens, a mobile water station with operational equipment, two trucks, a pickup truck, and an L300 vehicle. Furthermore, DSWD-5 is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and LGUs on agricultural recovery efforts, focusing on seed and input replacement, livestock assistance, and referrals for crop and livestock insurance and rehabilitation programs.
