DSWD FO Bicol provided family food packs (FFPs) to Typhoon Opong-hit residents in Hintutulo and Sapatos Islands in Masbate. (Photo from DSWD)
Over 300,000 family food packs (FFPs) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have been provided to families and communities hit by the recent major weather disturbances, an agency official reported on Tuesday (September 30).
“This is the latest cumulative tally of the family food packs (FFPs) that have been released to local government units (LGUs) that were battered by Tropical Cyclones ‘Mirasol,’ ‘Nando,’ and ‘Opong’. Malaki-laki na pero patuloy tayo sa pamamahagi alinsunod sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.
The numbers are expected to increase as the Department intensifies its efforts to ensure that affected families of severe tropical storm ‘Opong’ residing in hard-to-reach areas are provided with the appropriate assistance.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD is also continuously distributing non-food items (NFIs) to provide complete aid to affected families, especially those who have been displaced and are yet to resume normal lives.
A total of 1,240,758 families or 4,517,474 individuals in various regions across the country have been affected by the combined impacts of Mirasol, Nando, Opong and ‘Habagat’ based on the 6 a.m. Disaster Response Operations Management Information Communication (DROMIC) report.
There are 20,622 families or 74,283 persons currently taking temporary shelter in 940 evacuation centers in Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 5 (Bicol Region), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), and 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN).
“Walang-humpay ‘yung response efforts natin with the LGUs. All out din tayo sa pag-dedeploy ng mga disaster response assets natin — lalo na yung mga naapektuhan ang access sa tubig at kuryente,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
Various mobile kitchens of the DSWD’s concerned Field Offices (FOs) remain on the move to assist local government units (LGUs) in providing hot meals to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The DSWD’s Mobile Command Centers (MCC) managed by field office personnel likewise streamline inter-coordination for response and early recovery efforts in disaster-stricken areas while providing stable internet connectivity and source of electricity.
“Yesterday, dineploy ng ating DSWD Field Office (FO) 5 ‘yung mobile water treatment unit natin sa Masbate City. Pinarating kasi sa atin ng provincial government ng Masbate City na kinakailangan nila ng access to clean water lalo na para sa mga evacuees. Agaran din tayong umaksyon with this unit capable of filtering and producing potable water,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
The DSWD maintains 2.4 million FFPs and Php379M stand-by funds to sustain ongoing response efforts for disaster-hit areas. (LSJ)
