LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here has readied relief augmentation to local government units (LGUs) that will be affected by Typhoon "Ompong."
“We are ready to provide additional aid to the affected LGUs as soon as we receive their disaster report and letter request,” with PHP3.2-million standby fund that can be used anytime, DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.
Garcia said the warehouse stock of DSWD contains 11,360 family food packs (FFPs), 376 tents, 9,066 sleeping kits, 623 dignity kits, 1,998 family kits, 2,297 hygiene kits, 115,296 malong, 327 laminated sacks and 46,350 blankets.
A DSWD family food pack contains six kilos of rice, four tin cans of corned beef, four tin cans of sardines and six packs of energy drink or coffee, which is sufficient for a family of five for two days.
The LGUs also provide relief supplies to affected families but the packaging and content may vary.
The DSWD provided a total of 21,837 FFPs and 32,600 malong, which were prepositioned in all provinces in Bicol except for Masbate.
DSWD activated its Emergency Management Team (EMT) in each province that will coordinate and monitor the humanitarian relief assistance to affected areas.
The teams are closely working with LGUs, through the Provincial or Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (P/MDRRMO) to gather disaster reports and updates.
The EMT at the Regional Office has started its duty to consolidate disaster reports coming from LGUs that will serve as basis if the affected LGU needs an augmentation from DSWD.
Garcia also reminded the public that they do not tolerate the selling and buying of the Department’s relief goods. "Kindly report to our DSWD staff deployed at the city or municipal hall if they encountered this,” Garcia said.
Those who commit any of the prohibited acts face a fine ranging from PHP50,000 – PHP500,000, or imprisonment of six years up to 12 years
.
Meanwhile classes in all levels were suspended in the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes. (PNA)
