The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned more than 2.1 million family food packs (FFPs) in key areas nationwide as part of its early response preparations for Typhoon Tino.
In a statement, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the department began its preparations as early as last week, prioritizing regions projected to be most affected by the typhoon.
“Since last week, we have been monitoring this weather phenomenon and are regularly coordinating with PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) to understand the forecast track of Typhoon Tino,” Dumlao said.
Based on the agency’s latest inventory, over 128,000 food packs are available in Eastern Visayas, around 89,000 in Western Visayas, and more than 81,000 in the Caraga Region — all ready for immediate deployment.
“That’s the value of prepositioning. Anytime, handa tayo kasi sabi nga ng Pangulong (Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’) Marcos Jr., dapat tiyakin natin yung kapanatagan ng kalooban ng ating mga kababayan at matiyak na wala pong kababayang Pilipino ang magugutom sa gitna ng kalamidad,” Dumlao emphasized.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 in several provinces, urging residents, especially those in coastal and low-lying communities, to move to safer areas as the typhoon approaches landfall.
PAGASA has also warned of possible storm surges exceeding three meters in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) has been placed under Red Alert status since 8 a.m. on Monday to ensure strengthened coordination and real-time monitoring among concerned government agencies.
Meanwhile, Dumlao reminded the public to stay alert and follow government advisories to ensure their safety during the typhoon.