DUMAGUETE CITY: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively addressing the needs of individuals, particularly the youth and children, affected by the five tropical cyclones that hit the country in the past three weeks. DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Thursday the agency distributed diapers to children and toddlers of families hit by Typhoon Nika (international name Toraji) in Dolores town, Abra province on Nov. 11. According to Philippines News Agency, aside from the family food packs, personnel from DSWD Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) also distributed diapers to some Nika-affected families from Dolores, Abra province. These were given to those who have young children and toddlers with them, sourced from the Regional Reception and Study Center for Children. Dumlao stated that this initiative aligns with the department's responsibility as the lead agency for Camp Coordination and Camp Management for Internally Displaced Persons during disasters and crises. Due to the series of storms, some citizens have been moving in and out of evacuation centers. Among these affected families and individuals, children require extra attention and expanded interventions. Republic Act 10821, or the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act, provides the agency's Child Care Management guidelines, prioritizing the welfare of lactating mothers and their children in evacuation centers. Dumlao mentioned that the agency provides psychosocial services for adults and play therapy for children in evacuation centers to reduce the stress and trauma caused by disasters. This is facilitated by focal personnel deployed in the field, in coordination with concerned local government units. In the Ilocos Region, field office personnel worked with the La Union Incident Management Group to provide psychosocial support not just to children, but also women and older people. The DSWD also coordinates with local responders to provide child- and wom en-friendly spaces in evacuation centers. The agency's front-line responders are well-trained and knowledgeable in supporting senior citizens and evacuees with disabilities during crises and disaster emergencies. These measures are always in effect during disasters. However, with the consecutive storms and their impact, the demand has increased to scale up and amplify efforts. Beyond addressing food needs, the DSWD is fully utilizing available resources and interventions to ensure that all individuals and their needs are not neglected. The latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed that Typhoon Ofel made landfall over Baggao, Cagayan at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Ofel is the fifth tropical cyclone to hit the country after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) devastated the Bicol region and Batangas, leaving at least 116 people dead on Oct. 24.