The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned more than 2.1 million family food packs (FFPs) across key areas in the country as part of its preparedness for Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi).
According to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group, the agency began preparations as early as last week, focusing on regions expected to be affected by the typhoon.
“Since last week, we have been monitoring this weather phenomenon and are regularly coordinating with PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) to understand the forecast track of Typhoon Tino,” Dumlao said.
Currently, over 128,000 FFPs are ready in Eastern Visayas, around 89,000 in Western Visayas, and more than 81,000 in the Caraga region.
“That’s the value of prepositioning. Anytime, handa tayo kasi sabi nga ng Pangulong (Ferdinand R.) Marcos Jr., dapat tiyakin natin yung kapanatagan ng kalooban ng ating mga kababayan at matiyak na wala pong kababayang Pilipino ang magugutom sa gitna ng kalamidad,” Dumlao added.
As Typhoon Tino nears land, PAGASA has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 in several areas, warning of possible storm surges exceeding three meters in parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) has been placed under Red Alert since 8 a.m. Monday to intensify monitoring and coordination among government agencies.
Dumlao also urged the public to stay alert and follow government advisories for their safety.