DSWD meets with volunteers to coordinate Villamor Airbase relief ops

CDN FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently met with volunteers to synchronize efforts for their continuing support to government efforts for typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims arriving in Metro Manila.

In the meeting, Alice Bonoan, the regional director of the DSWD-National Capital Region (NCR) office, who has been on top of the DSWD operations for evacuees in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, said that the processing center of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) would continue to operate in this location.

A comprehensive response will continue to be provided as a result of the convergence of the manpower and resources of the government, non-government organizations and volunteers, according to Bonoan.

Bonoan also thanked the volunteers for their continued services to the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“We appreciate the quick response of our partner national agencies, local government units and more importantly, the volunteers and donors who showed our kababayans that through our collective efforts and resources, we can provide them our humble care,” Bonoan said.

The volunteers assured Bonoan they would continue their services to the IDPs.

Junep Ocampo, organizer of Oplan Hatid, has announced in his Facebook page that this group will continue to provide free transportation to the IDPs.

Ocampo has told volunteers for Oplan Hatid to proceed and park at Gate 5 and take the shuttle to go to Oplan Hatid tent near the grandstand to register and  get a queuing number.

Volunteers were also told to sign the DSWD form to account for the number of families served through Oplan Hatid.

As of November 22, the DSWD has recorded a total of 2,759 families or 10,920 individuals from Leyte and Samar who have arrived in Manila via C-130 and through rented commercial buses.

Of these, 1,500 families and 1,280 individuals were provided transportation assistance through Oplan Hatid while 1,869 individuals were fetched by their families and relatives.

At the same time, Bonoan said that IDPs arriving in Metro Manila would continue to be processed at the Villamor Airbase by  DSWD personnel and partner volunteers as it has proven to be a more suitable facility in delivering the services to the IDPs.

Those needing medical attention are being attended to by standby emergency teams sent by the local government units. Immediate needs including food, access to personal sanitation facilities, transportation assistance, pyscho-emotional support, and temporary shelter are provided.

“The true bayanihan spirit is at work here. DSWD is partnering with various kind-hearted citizens and citizen groups who are donating services, food, supplies as well as other provisions,” Bonoan said.

Meanwhile, some 58 families were referred to DSWD’s Jose Fabella Center, 14 families in Visayan Forum, 61 individuals in the Tent City in Pasay and six individuals in Hospicio de San Jose, 2 in RSCC.  Augustinian Sisters and Sta. Ana Church also accommodated some of the evacuees.

Bonoan urged the volunteers to continue working with DSWD in providing immediate care and attention to the IDPs.

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