The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) is on full alert to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the effects of the habagat and the active low-pressure area (LPA).
“We are ensuring that even on government work suspension, our frontline disaster response personnel across the country are on standby and closely monitoring the situation everywhere. This is crucial so we can send help immediately where it is much-needed,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DRMG, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said on Monday (September 1).
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the DSWD has over 2 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in agency warehouses nationwide, ready to be tapped to make way for timely relief operations.
This is complemented by the over 116,858 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes intended for those who may possibly get stranded due to suspended sea travel.
The RTEFs will also serve as an immediate food source for evacuees, ensuring that their basic needs are met while local government units (LGUs) work to establish community kitchens.
“We also have 313,197 non-food items (NFIs) such as blankets, family, hygiene, kitchen kits and modular tents that we can provide for those who will be urged to take temporary shelter in evacuation centers,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
The DRMG official said tight coordination between the DSWD and LGUs continues in line with the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.
“We will see to it that we will act fast to augmentation requests from our LGUs. Importante ito para sa atin para siguradong mabilis at sapat yung resources ng mga lokal na pamahalaan as the very frontline disaster responders to their disaster-hit constituents. Ang mahalaga, gaya nga ng laging binabanggit ng ating Pangulo, walang Pilipinong magugutom sa gitna ng sakuna,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
The DSWD, as member-agency of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), will be coordinating for any crucial update on the impact of the active weather disturbances, particularly with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
At 3:00 a.m. Monday (September 1), the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was found on the East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 695 km East of Daet, Camarines Norte. Southwest monsoon is affecting the western sections of Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas, and the northern section of Mindanao, according to the PAGASA.
The weather agency also issued General Flood Advisories in 13 Regions as of 6:00 a.m.
“We are urging our kababayans to be vigilant and heed all orders from their local government units for their safety,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said. (LSJ)
