The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has begun prepositioning ready-to-eat food packs to bolster disaster preparedness and response in the region, which is frequently affected by typhoons. Claudio Villareal, chief of DSWD-5’s Disaster Response Management Division, stated that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of disasters on Filipinos.
A total of 15,400 ready-to-eat food packs have been stored at the Provincial Government of Sorsogon warehouse and the DSWD warehouse in Camarines Sur. Villareal explained that these food packs will be strategically placed in seaports and warehouses throughout Bicol to ensure quick deployment during disasters or when sea travel is restricted due to severe weather. Currently, 6,400 food packs are at the PLGU Sorsogon Warehouse, while 9,000 are at the DSWD warehouse in Camarines Sur, pending confirmation from the Philippine Ports Authority regarding available ports.
Each food pack contains nutritious meals sufficient for several days, aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and stranded passengers. Villareal emphasized, “This is designed to ensure that no one goes hungry while sheltering in evacuation centers or waiting at transport terminals during emergencies.”
The DSWD will oversee the management of the food packs, while local government units and the Philippine Ports Authority will manage their respective stocks as outlined in the Relief Prepositioning Agreements.