MANILA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is persistently engaged in the production of family food packs (FFPs) to support ongoing disaster relief efforts for Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, and to prepare for the potential impact of Severe Tropical Storm Marce. DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao stated that personnel and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure a steady supply of relief goods for affected families.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD aims to produce 20,000 boxes of FFPs daily, as stated by Irish Flor Yaranon, chief administrative officer of the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB). The agency has intensified its repacking efforts in light of a report from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which warns that Marce might escalate to a super typhoon as it nears northeastern Luzon.

In preparation for the ongoing relief efforts for Kristine and the possible im
pact of Marce, 18,700 FFPs from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu were dispatched on Monday night to the Bicol Region. The DSWD is also leveraging the logistics support of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deliver relief goods via sea routes. Notably, 11,000 boxes of FFPs were loaded onto PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua in Cebu City and are en route to the Bicol Region.

Beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program are actively participating in the production of relief supplies at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City. Dumlao emphasized the importance of continued support from both government and private sector volunteers to expedite the delivery of relief supplies to affected communities.