Energy bars now part of relief packs

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB/INQUIRER.net

BESIDES rice and canned goods that require cooking or a can opener, ready-to-eat “energy bars” are now part of the food packs prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for victims of disasters.

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the bars resembled “candies” but were full of nutrition.

A standard DSWD relief pack usually contained six kilos of rice, eight tins of sardines, corned beef or meatloaf, and coffee and creamer. It could sustain a family of six members for two to three days.

“We have included high energy bars that resemble candy but are actually packed with nutrition. Water will also be a part of the supplies that we will make sure to provide survivors,” Taguiwalo said in a statement.

She said the provision for no-cook food items was one of the orders given by President Duterte during the first two Cabinet meetings when disaster relief and management concerns were discussed.

Taguiwalo said the DSWD continued to maintain the supplies in warehouses managed and run by its field offices all over the country.

In a related report, the DSWD and government agencies concerned were monitoring the effects of Tropical Depression “Carina.” DJ Yap