The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now on blue alert status as it monitors the track of Tropical Depression (TD) Ada, the first tropical cyclone that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year.
Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) said a blue alert is the second stage of alert for an approaching storm during which emergency preparations are carried out according to plan.
“Ang buong DSWD, kabilang ang aming mga Field Offices (FO), ay patuloy na naghahanda at nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan na madadaanan ni Bagyong Ada. Naka-prepositioned na ang higit 2.7 million na family food packs (FFPs) sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng ating bansa para masiguro na agad na maiihahatid ang tulong sa ating mga kababayan na maaapektuhan ng bagyo,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also DSWD spokesperson, said on Thursday (January 15).
Based on reports from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), TD Ada may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it crosses Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of CARAGA Region.
The DSWD spokesperson said the Department is coordinating with port authorities and concerned local government units (LGUs) to ensure that locally stranded individuals will receive food assistance, if deemed necessary.
“Dahil sa masamang panahon, maraming local ports ang nag-suspend ng mga byahe. Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin ang aming mga field offices para makapaghatid ng tulong kung kinakailangan,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
Aside from food assistance, the Department’s disaster response vehicles and other equipment such as mobile kitchens, mobile water stations, and mobile command centers are also on standby and ready to be deployed in affected areas, as the need arises.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao also reminded citizens to stay vigilant and alert for the possible effects that the weather disturbance may bring to the country.
“Muli, nagpapaalala po kami sa ating mga kababayan na maging alerto, makinig, at sumunod sa inyong mga lokal na opisyal para masigurado ang inyong kaligtasan habang nararamdaman ang epekto ng bagong bagyo,” the DSWD spokesperson said. (AKDL)
