Bogo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday extended its gratitude to the World Food Program (WFP) for setting up a Multi-functional Storage Unit (MSU) at the Tent City in quake-affected Bogo City. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) highlighted the importance of the MSU in facilitating swift disaster response operations for internally displaced persons in Bogo City and other areas in northern Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MSU, which measures 10 meters by 32 meters, serves as a central hub for essential supplies like family food packs, ready-to-eat food boxes, and family tents. This extension of the DSWD storage facility aids in making supplies more accessible and efficiently distributed. The MSU is also being utilized by DSWD's Field Office 7 to store rice and perishables for mobile kitchens.

The ongoing disaster operations are supported by a designated rest area within the MSU for DSWD's quick response team members. Dumlao expressed appreciation for the setup, noting it provides a place for responders to rest and recharge. Despite being affected by the disaster themselves, these responders have shown unwavering dedication to the relief efforts.

Since the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, over PHP414.9 million in humanitarian aid has been provided to the 12 local government units in northern Cebu. Of this, more than PHP282.6 million was contributed by the DSWD, supplemented by over PHP132.3 million from non-government organizations. The DSWD has completed two waves of family food pack distributions, delivering 443,340 boxes to the affected LGUs.

Looking ahead, the DSWD, under the guidance of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is preparing to implement the Emergency Cash Transfer Program to assist internally displaced persons with early recovery and rehabilitation.