DSWD thanks Oplan Hatid volunteers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has met with volunteers to synchronize their efforts with that of government agencies extending assistance to “Yolanda” victims arriving in Metro Manila.

During the meeting, DSWD-National Capital Region director Ma. Alicia Bonoan, who is in charge of the department’s operations for evacuees, said the processing center for internally displaced persons (IDPs) would remain at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

At the same time, she thanked the volunteers for their assistance.

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

Meanwhile, Junep Ocampo, organizer of Oplan Hatid, announced on his Facebook page that he and the other volunteers would continue to provide free transportation to IDPs.

As of Nov. 22, the DSWD said it had recorded a total of 2,759 families or 10,920 individuals from Leyte and Samar provinces who arrived in Manila via C-130 planes or 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 air base by DSWD personnel and partner volunteers.

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

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

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