READY. DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio presides over the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Bicol Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment meeting in preparation for the weather disturbances threatening the region on Tuesday (Nov. 14, 2023). The DSWD has stockpiled 113,927 family food packs and 29,402 non-food relief items for distribution to those who may be affected by bad weather. (PNA photo courtesy of DSWD Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has prepositioned family food packs (FFPs) in preparation for the possible effects of the low-pressure area (LPA) and shear line monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In an interview on Wednesday, Marygizelle Mesa, DSWD-5 information officer, said the agency continuously coordinates with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils and local DRRMCs for possible response actions.
"DSWD-Bicol ensures the availability of food and non-food items in different regional warehouses and local government units’ warehouses with prepositioned goods for resource augmentation. Evacuation centers have been checked for possible preemptive evacuations," Mesa said.
DSWD-Bicol has stockpiled 113,927 FFPs and 29,402 non-food relief items.
On top of these, a PHP5-million standby fund is ready to purchase additional food packs or any kits as needed.
"DSWD-Bicol is always ready to respond to any weather disturbances or disasters in the region. Continuous monitoring of Mt. Mayon and Mt. Bulusan volcanic activities is also done to ensure preparation in case of sudden lahar flows. Landslide and flood susceptibilities were also taken into consideration," Mesa said.
Mt. Mayon in Albay province is currently under Alert Level 3 while Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon is under Alert Level 1.
Each family food pack can provide food for two days for a family of five members.
In its bulletin on Wednesday morning, PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the shear line will prevail over Metro Manila, the Bicol Region and other parts of the country.
The state weather bureau also said it is monitoring a low-pressure area, which is estimated at 1,620 kms. east of Southeastern Mindanao outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It will be called "Kabayan" once inside the PAR. (PNA)
