DSWD on blue alert as it braces for Basyang’s impact

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday said it is on blue alert status as it prepares for the impact of Tropical Storm Basyang, which is poised to make landfall over eastern Mindanao by Thursday evening.

“The DSWD is now on blue alert to monitor the approaching weather disturbance. We have already notified all DSWD Field Offices (FOs) along the track of the tropical cyclone to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned local government units (LGUs) to ensure that all preparedness for response measures are in place,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

In a statement, Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) assured that the agency has more than 3.5 million family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in its hubs, spokes, and last mile warehouses across the country.

“The DSWD FO CARAGA maintains more than 186,000 boxes of FFPS, DSWD FO 7 – Central Visayas has over 77,000 boxes of FFPs, while the DSWD FO 8 – Eastern Visayas has more than 161,000 boxes of FFPs,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Luzon Disaster Resource Operations Center (LDRC) in Pasay City has more than 672,000 boxes of FFPs, and more than 317,000 boxes of FFPs are stationed at the Visayas Disaster Resource Operations Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City.

Dumlao added that the DSWD Central Office has over P3.04 billion in Quick Response Funds (QRF) that can be utilized to cover relief and early recovery operations during disasters and calamities.

The agency’s disaster response equipment, including its Mobile Command Centers (MCCs) and Mobile Kitchens, are also on standby in all field offices and ready for deployment.

“As part of the marching orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD will continue to be proactive in its preparedness for response operations to guarantee that no Filipino family will go hungry during times of disasters,” Dumlao said.

On Wednesday night, PAGASA said Basyang – formerly a tropical depression – strengthened into a tropical storm at around 8 p.m.

Several LGUs on the path of the tropical storm have suspended classes.

Dumlao reminded the public to be vigilant and take precautionary measures amid Basyang’s potential impact.

“Maintain your coordination with your LGUs and listen to their announcements for possible pre-emptive evacuation. Rest assured that the DSWD is ready to provide assistance to those who will be affected by the inclement weather,” she said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News