Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now on blue alert status as it monitors the track of Tropical Depression Ada, the first tropical cyclone that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) stated that a blue alert is the second stage of alert for an approaching storm during which emergency preparations are carried out according to plan. Dumlao emphasized that the entire DSWD, including its Field Offices, is actively preparing and coordinating with local government units along Ada's path. About 2.7 million family food packs (FFPs) have been prepositioned across the nation to ensure that assistance would immediately reach those affected by the typhoon.
Reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicate that Ada may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it crosses the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Caraga. Dumlao mentioned that the department is also coordinating with port authorities and concerned local government units (LGUs) to ensure that locally stranded individuals would receive food assistance, if deemed necessary.
In addition to food assistance, DSWD disaster response vehicles and other equipment, such as mobile kitchens, mobile water stations, and mobile command centers, are on standby and ready to be deployed to affected areas as the need arises. Dumlao also reminded citizens to stay vigilant and alert for the possible effects that the weather disturbance may bring to the country.
Meanwhile, the DSWD 13 (Caraga) reported that 166,867 FFPs are available in its warehouses across the region. Three provinces in the region - Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur - are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 (TCWS 1) due to Ada. In the Dinagat Islands, the provincial government issued an order to activate public safety protocols amid the threats posed by TD Ada. In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel also signed an order activating the emergency operations centers and imposing a ban on outdoor tourism activities.
Additionally, DSWD 8 (Eastern Visayas) has prepositioned PHP134.47 million worth of relief resources as part of its preparedness measures for the possible effects of Tropical Depression Ada. The relief items, including family food packs, ready-to-eat food packs, non-food items, and standby funds, are ready for immediate distribution should the situation require.
In the Davao Region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has prepositioned PHP1.2 million in standby funds and over 85,000 family food packs as Tropical Depression Ada approaches. DSWD-11's Disaster Response Management Division is prepared to deploy quick response teams, activate camp management operations, and mobilize vehicles for timely aid delivery. The regional office maintains close coordination with local governments and partner agencies to ensure an organized response, committed to safeguarding vulnerable communities.
