LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol is proactively positioning resources, including substantial relief items, to support communities affected by ongoing severe weather conditions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction management division information officer, outlined the agency’s readiness during an interview on Wednesday. He detailed that the agency has 121,867 family food packs valued at PHP89.3 million and 78,331 non-food items worth PHP121.6 million, totaling PHP220 million in assistance, strategically prepositioned across nine warehouses and various sites within the region. “We are ready and prepared to assist the public and local government units during a disaster or any calamities. Our central office is always ready to replenish upon request of additional FFPs,” Cabarles stated.
Additionally, DSWD-Bicol has allocated a PHP3-million standby fund to procure extra supplies if necessary. Cabarles noted that they have already distributed PHP3.3 million worth of food packs to 5,503 families in Albay, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure timely aid delivery.
The readiness actions come as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitors Tropical Depression Gener, now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and Tropical Storm Helen, both of which continue to amplify the effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat”.