As the country braces for Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that it is fully prepared to assist families affected by the storm.
“Gusto kong malaman ng ating mga kababayan na ang DSWD ay handang-handa na umagapay sa mga magiging biktima, handang-handa tayong rumesponde sa magiging mga pangangailangan at masamang epekto nitong darating na Bagyong Opong,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a Facebook video post Tuesday evening.
The agency has over PHP3.1 billion in standby funds and relief stockpiles nationwide, including 2.5 million family food packs worth PHP1.6 billion, PHP131 million in other food items, PHP752 million in non-food relief, and PHP107 million in other supplies.
“Makakasiguro kayo na bukod sa food packs, bukod sa mobile kitchen, pati na rin ang financial assistance pinaghahandaan na ng DSWD. Alinsunod ‘to sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Gatchalian added.
Meanwhile, some 14,873 families or 46,628 individuals in 10 regions have already been displaced by the combined effects of recent storms and the southwest monsoon. Nearly 24,000 people remain in 459 evacuation centers.
The DSWD has delivered 11,285 food packs to affected areas, with mobile kitchens deployed to provide hot meals. Financial assistance and child-friendly spaces in evacuation centers are also being prepared to support recovery and ensure children’s well-being.
Gatchalian reminded residents to heed evacuation orders: “Pag sinabi nilang mag-preemptive evacuation tayo o manatili sa mga evacuation center, makinig tayo kasi para sa sarili nating kaligtasan ‘to.”