Eastern visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced its preparedness for the impact of weather disturbances in Eastern Visayas by prepositioning 152,611 family food packs (FFPs).

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua stated that the agency has been proactively increasing their stocks in anticipation of the rainy season. "DSWD is always ready to respond. We have been monitoring the situation and coordinating with affected local government units," Chua shared.

The current stock of food supplies and non-food items, valued at PHP141.17 million, is intended to ensure quicker delivery of relief goods in the event of severe flooding and other disasters. These FFPs are strategically stored in several locations, including Allen and Biri towns 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 situated in Almagro and Santo Ni±o in Samar and Naval, Maripipi, and Kawayan in Biliran province.

Each family food pack includes six kilos 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. Among the prepositioned items are ready-to-eat food packs at the DSWD RROC, ensuring that food supplies remain accessible during crises.

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

In addition to the food packs, the DSWD has prepared 29,545 non-food items and secured a standby fund of PHP3 million. Authorities have been issuing flood advisories for Eastern Visayas since last week due to the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Crising, while two more cyclones, Tropical Storms Dante and Emong, are currently posing threats with potential heavy rains in parts of Luzon and the Visayas.