Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) that were affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol, assuring them of relief augmentation based on their request.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized that field offices must maintain continuous communication with LGUs to ensure they have sufficient supplies to meet the needs of disaster-affected constituents. Dumlao highlighted that LGUs serve as the first responders during calamities.
The DSWD's Field Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) has already dispatched initial aid, including family food packs (FFPs), to the province of Quirino. Dumlao stressed the importance of preventing hunger, a priority for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
A report from the Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication (DROMIC) indicated that Tropical Depression Mirasol has affected 17,288 families or 63,121 individuals across 70 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Bicol Region. Among the affected, 96 families or 293 persons are currently housed in 21 evacuation centers.
As the lead in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Dumlao assured that the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are promptly addressed by local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) in coordination with disaster response personnel.
In anticipation of Tropical Depression Nando, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday evening, the DSWD is closely monitoring the situation. Dumlao reassured LGUs that the DSWD is well-prepared with over 2.5 million boxes of FFPs, ready-to-eat food boxes, and other non-food relief items in strategically positioned warehouses nationwide.
Furthermore, Dumlao emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication lines with LGUs that might be directly impacted by Nando to ensure swift delivery of necessary assistance.
