The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed its preparedness to deliver humanitarian assistance, which includes distribution of food packs and non-food items, to communities affected by severe tropical storm Kristine.
"Bago pa dumating si bagyong Kristine, nakapag-preposition na ang DSWD. Nasa mahigit 2 million actually ‘yung national pack pile natin bago pa man dumating ‘yung bagyo," DSWD Asec. Irene Dumlao said in an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Thursday.
"Ngayon, nasa higit 1.9 million [food packs] na tayo dahil may releases na tayo sa mga local government units," she added.
Dumlao cited Region 5 as an example, where the agency initially had over 150,000 family food packs stored in the DSWD's regional warehouse.
However, the pick-up of supplies by the local government units (LGUs) of Albay and Sorsogon is still ongoing.
The department expects the numbers to rise later in the day as more distributions are set to take place.
"Batay po doon sa ating monitoring, nasa mahigit P55 million worth na po of humanitarian assistance ang na-e-extend ng DSWD na kinabibilangan of course ng mga family food packs at mga non-food items," said Dumlao.
The delivered aid has reached the regions of 2, MIMAROPA, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
"And ongoing ‘yung ating coordination with the local government units para makapag-augment tayo ng mga resources, dahil alam naman po natin na local government units ang frontline dito," she added.
Aside from the family food packs, which contain 6 kg of rice, corned beef, sardines, instant coffee, and chocolate drinks, the aid also includes non-food items such as hygiene kits and kitchen kits.
Dumlao also reminded the public that each box from the DSWD is marked, making it strictly prohibited to repack the said items.
Meanwhile, to address the shortage of drinking water, the DSWD will also distribute water filtration kits that can be used by those affected by "Kristine."
According to Dumlao, the water filtration kits have certification and have undergone a process to ensure their safety, allowing for immediate use of the filtered water.
