Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has strategically pre-positioned over 50,000 family food packs (FFPs) and nearly 20,000 non-food items (NFIs) across various hubs within the region. This initiative aims to enhance the agency's capability to provide rapid assistance during emergencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD Panacan warehouse in Davao City currently holds 20,194 FFPs and 8,319 NFIs. Meanwhile, the Bago Oshiro warehouse has stockpiled 15,387 FFPs and 11,332 NFIs. These facilities are crucial supply points, allowing for quick deployment in response to disasters.
In addition to the central warehouses, DSWD-11 has distributed food packs to provincial sites to ensure readiness. Davao Occidental received 5,938 FFPs, Davao de Oro 3,979 FFPs, Davao del Norte 2,813 FFPs, and Davao del Sur 2,322 FFPs. This prepositioning strategy is part of the agency's comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
Following the recent 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Manay, Davao Oriental, the agency promptly dispatched 2,000 FFPs, 200 family kits, and tents to assist affected families. Lennon Remotigue, an officer in DSWD-11's Disaster Response Management Division, noted that no requests for psychosocial first aid (PFA) have been received related to the latest quake.
'From previous operations during the 7.2 and 6.8 magnitude earthquakes, DSWD conducted PFA for children and women in evacuation centers. For the recent 6.4 quake, no requests have been made yet,' Remotigue explained.
DSWD-11 continues to monitor the situation in Manay and assures the public of its preparedness to conduct rapid assessments and provide immediate assistance if necessary. The agency collaborates with local governments and partners to ensure effective responses, emphasizing its commitment to supporting affected communities.
Meanwhile, Davao Oriental's provincial information officer, Lovella Fe Tacder, reported that no internally displaced persons were recorded following the tremor. However, the Sr. San Lucas Chapel in Caraga town sustained structural damage, though the extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
