Bicol region: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 has unveiled a new twin-warehouse facility designed to improve disaster preparedness and response operations in the Bicol Region. This facility can store up to 80,000 relief goods, significantly enhancing the region's capacity to respond quickly in times of disaster.

According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, head of the DSWD-5 Disaster Response Management Division, emphasized that the facility aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to provide immediate assistance to disaster-affected families and communities. Villareal noted that the new warehouses, located in Barangay Baybay, offer organized storage through racking systems that ensure the quality and timely distribution of family food packs and non-food items.

The strategic location of the warehouse near major seaports and airports facilitates convenient access to various transportation modes, which is critical for the rapid mobilization and augmentation of relief resources. This is particularly beneficial during emergencies such as sea disturbances, volcanic activities, and typhoons that frequently impact Bicol communities.

DSWD-5 operates 68 last-mile warehouses across the region, supporting 10 regional warehouses. Villareal reported that the region currently has 328,646 family food packs stockpiled, with 22,086 ready-to-eat food packs and numerous non-food items available for distribution.