FILE PHOTO: Situation at a bridge connecting Brgy. Odiong and Brgy. Manlilisid in the town of Javier, Leyte was ravaged due to Tropical Depression Agaton (international name: Megi). Screengrab from SK Federation – Javier Leyte / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Wednesday it already started its response operations in local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical Depression Agaton (international name: Megi).
As of 6 p.m, April 12, the DSWD provided more than P16.9 million worth of humanitarian assistance in Region XI, according to the agency.
LGUs in Regions VI and Caraga, on the other hand, were provided aid worth more than P4.2 million, it also said.
The DSWD reiterated that it has sufficient resources for its disaster response operations, maintaining stockpiles and standby funds amounting to more than P1.22 billion – around P146 million of which are readily available at its Central Office and the field offices.
DSWD likewise said that through its concerned field offices, “it is closely coordinating with concerned LGUs to monitor the situation of affected families.”
Lenten Season
The agency, meanwhile, assured the public that it will be on standby as the nation observes the Holy Week, locally known as “Semana Santa,” and that its Quick Response Teams (QRTs) nationwide would be activated to promptly provide service during the Lenten break.
It said it “will continue to monitor weather conditions and maintain its coordination with regional counterparts. ”
“In addition, the DSWD-National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) and other regional warehouses are ready with FFPs (family food packs) for augmentation support,” it added.
The DSWD then reminded the public to continue to adhere to the minimum health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Lenten Season.
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