READY FOR BAD WEATHER. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has prepared for the possible effects of a low-pressure area (LPA) in the region. It has readied 37,983 family food packs as well as non-food items including family tents, and sleeping and hygiene kits. (Infographic courtesy of DSWD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has prepared 37,983 family food packs (FFPs) as part of the preparations for the possible effects of the low-pressure area (LPA) monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In an interview on Tuesday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-5 information officer, said the agency can release food packs and non-food items available at DSWD warehouses in Legazpi City, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Masbate when needed.
“DSWD-Bicol is all hands on deck when it comes to weather disturbances or any kind of disasters that may come or happen in our region," Mesa said.
She said the FFPs were already prepositioned and ready for distribution upon request for augmentation of local government units (LGUs).
Mesa said the agency has put on standby some 37,983 FFPs in different warehouses and another PHP11.2 million worth of stockpile for repacking in anticipation of augmentation.
She said the stockpile is composed of 52,900 kilograms of rice; 77,348 corned beef cans; 105,756 cans of sardines; 172,396 cans of tuna; 314,085 sachets of 3-in-1 coffee; and 134,390 cans of cereal drink, good for 20,000 families.
On top of these, a PHP5-million standby fund is ready for additional purchase of food packs or any kits as needed.
Each family food pack can provide food on the table for two days for a family of five members.
"We have requested an additional 15,000 family food packs and 7,000 non-food items from DSWD central office in Manila," Mesa added.
The agency has likewise prepared 49,581 non-food items including at least 338 sets of family tents, 3,817 boxes of sleeping kits, 2,792 boxes of family kits, 3,179 sets of hygiene kits, and 3,712 kitchen kits.
At least 16,688 "malong" (tube skirts), 1,140 laminated sacks, and 16,330 blankets were readied as well, Mesa added.
She said DSWD-Bicol chief Norman Laurio ordered provincial offices to coordinate with different local government units in their respective areas with regard to the release of the readied food and items.
"He already ordered these prepositioned in different strategic locations in the region including ports and warehouses. As for our manpower, we have a quick response team (QRT) ready 24 hours if the case is needed," she said. (PNA)
