The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reminded the public to stay vigilant and to follow the orders of local officials to make sure that they are safe amid the continuous heavy rains brought by the northeast monsoon, specifically in Cagayan Valley and Leyte.
According to the report relayed by the DSWD from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), coastal areas in the mentioned localities experience rough sea conditions while the low-lying areas might experience flooding.
As such, the DSWD made an assurance to the public that it can readily assist local government units (LGUs) in any untoward eventualities.
As required, the agency claimed in a message that it was ready to support local government units (LGUs) with technical assistance and resource augmentation (TARA) to meet the immediate requirements of individuals who may be impacted by the weather disturbance.
Through its Field Office (FO) II, the DSWD has already prepositioned relief supplies in 85 LGUs in the Cagayan Valley. These consist of 5,400 non-food products and more than 24,400 family food packs.
It noted that while its disaster response staff are still on standby/on-call status, its Cagayan Valley field office continues to monitor and coordinate with the Municipal Action Teams.
Following the proclamation of a work suspension due to the downpour being experienced in the Tacloban City region, DSWD-Field Office VIII Regional Director Grace Subong has issued an order to enable a skeletal workforce among its personnel in Eastern Visayas.
The Social Welfare and Development Teams of FO VIII are keeping an eye on the situation to make sure that any issues are dealt with right away.
A total of 576,455 family food packs (FFPs) and PHP100 million in standby funding were available to the DSWD as of January 2 for augmentation to affected LGUs.
In order to effectively monitor and assess the affected communities' current condition and determine the necessary course of action, the DSWD repeated its request to them to be vigilant and to constantly work in conjunction with local officials.
