The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed its Quick Response Teams (QRTs) on full alert in areas expected to be affected by Tropical Storm Ramil, as part of its preemptive disaster preparedness efforts.
In a statement, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said that DSWD is fully equipped with relief supplies prepositioned in strategic warehouses and local hubs to ensure immediate delivery of assistance to communities within the storm’s path.
“Agad pong inatasan ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alinsunod sa utos ni President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ang ating mga Field Offices na makipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para matiyak sa mga alkalde na handa ang mga family food packs (FFPs) at iba pang emergency relief items ng DSWD para sa mga maaapektuhan ng Bagyong Ramil,” Dumlao said.
She added that the agency has strengthened its readiness protocols to guarantee that help will reach affected families without delay once the storm’s impact is felt.
“Ang layunin po natin ay hindi maantala ang tulong sa oras na maramdaman ang epekto ng bagyo,” Dumlao noted.
Dumlao explained that family food packs have been prepositioned in regional hubs, satellite warehouses, and last-mile facilities, while non-food relief items—including sleeping mats, hygiene kits, and kitchen sets—are also on standby for displaced families who may need to stay in evacuation centers.
Tropical Storm Ramil, the 18th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines this year, has prompted PAGASA to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in several parts of Luzon, including portions of Metro Manila, as it continues to bring heavy rains and strong winds across the region.
Meanwhile, Dumlao said that the DSWD has also mobilized teams to assist residents affected by the magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck Surigao del Norte and nearby provinces on Friday morning.
“Sa bawat kalamidad, nananatiling layunin ng DSWD na agad makarating ang tulong sa mga pamilyang Pilipino. Kaya’t patuloy po tayong nakikipagtulungan sa mga LGU at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang mabilis at maayos na disaster response,” Dumlao said.
The DSWD reaffirmed that it remains committed to prompt, organized, and compassionate service, ensuring that no Filipino family is left unaided in times of calamity.