The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday, October 22, assured the public that it is fully prepared to extend assistance to communities that may be affected by Tropical Storm Salome.
In a statement, DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency has already prepared around two million family food packs stored in its warehouses across the country.
“The DSWD, especially through the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), always sees to it that we are updated of the latest weather disturbance, its track and areas that are at risk as it traverses our country. Ito ay kahit na marami tayong tinututukan na disaster-hit areas dahil sa sunod-sunod na bagyo at lindol,” Dumlao said.
“Itong mga stockpile na ito na nasa mahigit kumulang na 1,000 warehouses natin ‘yan na naka-preposition na nationwide kaya makakasigurado ang ating mga kababayan na kung saan man magdala ng malakas na ulan itong TD Salome, mabilis tayong makakapag-paabot ng relief items para sa kanila,” she added.
Aside from food packs, the DSWD has also prepared ₱863 million worth of non-food items, including blankets, family hygiene kits, kitchen kits, and modular tents, which will be distributed to families staying in evacuation centers.
Dumlao emphasized that the department continues to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely disaster response.
“Laging nasa unahan ng listahan natin na walang Pilipinong magugutom sa gitna ng sakuna at nakakapagbigay tayo ng agarang kapanatagan na palaging bilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Magkatuwang po ang DSWD dyan pati na rin ang LGUs, as the disaster frontliners in their areas of jurisdiction,” she said.