The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with its Field Offices across the country, is on full alert ahead of the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2 to provide immediate assistance to families and individuals who may need support during the long weekend.
“Nagbaba ng direktiba si Secretary Rex Gatchalian sa lahat ng aming regional directors para matiyak na handa ang aming Field Offices sa anumang kaso kinakailangan ang tulong ng mga kababayan natin na uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) on Thursday, October 30.
According to Dumlao, who also serves as the agency’s spokesperson, the DSWD has enough relief items in stock, including ready-to-eat food (RTEF), family food packs (FFPs), and other food and non-food items. These will be distributed to travelers who might get stranded while on their way to their hometowns to visit departed loved ones.
“Mayroon kaming nakalagak na FFPs sa aming mga warehouses at naka-preposition na mga RTEF sa iba’t ibang daungan o pantalan. Sapat po ang food at non-food items natin,” Dumlao noted.
The DSWD’s Quick Response Teams (QRTs) nationwide are also on standby to respond to possible emergencies or untoward incidents. These teams are prepared to assist local government units (LGUs) if augmentation support becomes necessary.
“Sa DSWD, 365 days a year ang aming disaster preparation. Hindi kami tumitigil, kahit ngayong paparating na undas, para masiguro natin na hindi tayo makakapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kababayan natin na posibleng maapektuhan ng dagsa ng tao sa daan habang pauwi sa kanilang probinsya,” Dumlao emphasized.