Tacloban: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned 175,895 family food packs (FFPs) to enhance its preparedness for the anticipated impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, internationally known as Bualoi, in Eastern Visayas.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Region 8 Information Officer Jonalyndie Chua emphasized the agency's efforts in replenishing stocks to prepare for the rainy season's effects, including the current storm that has prompted tropical cyclone warning signals 1 and 2 across different provinces in the region. Chua stated, "DSWD is always ready to respond. We have been monitoring the situation and coordinating with affected local government units."

The food supplies and non-food items, valued at PHP145.32 million, are strategically stockpiled to ensure swift delivery of relief goods in the event of severe flooding or other disasters. These FFPs are stored in several locations, including warehouses in Allen and Biri in Northern Samar; Jipapad, Taft, and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; the DSWD regional resource operations center (RROC) in Palo, Leyte; and Sogod, Southern Leyte. Additional stockpiles are located in Almagro and Santo Ni±o in Samar, as well as Naval, Maripipi, and Kawayan in Biliran province.

Each family food pack contains six kilograms of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drinks. Additionally, ready-to-eat food packs are prepositioned at the DSWD RROC to ensure that food supplies are available and accessible during crises.

Chua highlighted the department's commitment, stating, "By stockpiling these essential food supplies in advance, the agency can provide and respond swiftly to those in need. This initiative underscores the department's dedication to ensuring that disaster-affected families and individuals receive food aid quickly and efficiently."

Apart from the FFPs, the DSWD has also prepared 23,175 non-food items. Authorities have been issuing flood advisories for Eastern Visayas since Wednesday as the storm approaches.