The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has prepositioned 176,050 family food packs (FFPs) in Eastern Visayas to boost disaster preparedness amid the rainy season, the southwest monsoon, and a prevailing low-pressure area.
DSWD-8 information officer Jonalyndie Chua said the agency is closely coordinating with local government units and monitoring weather-related developments.
“DSWD is always ready to respond. We have been monitoring the situation and coordinating with affected local government units,” Chua said.
The stockpile, valued at PHP163.15 million, is stored in multiple warehouses across the region, including Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
Each FFP contains 6 kg of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, and coffee and cereal drink sachets. The DSWD also prepared 18,600 ready-to-eat meals and 23,628 non-food items for immediate deployment.
“By stockpiling these essential food supplies in advance, the agency can provide and respond swiftly to those in need. This initiative highlights the department’s commitment to ensuring that disaster-affected families and individuals receive food aid quickly and efficiently,” Chua added.
Authorities have issued flood advisories for parts of Eastern Visayas due to the combined effects of the low-pressure area and the habagat.