Bicol: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has initiated the prepositioning of family food packs in several warehouses across the region as part of its contingency plan for the wet season.
According to Philippines News Agency, Claudio Villareal, chief of the DSWD-5’s Disaster Response Management Division, stated that the amount of Family Food Packs (FFPs) being prepared this year has been increased significantly. Previously, the stockpile comprised around 50,000 FFPs, but now it ranges from 150,000 to 200,000. The agency is also exploring options to rent additional warehouses or establish agreements for standby stockpiles to further enhance their capacity in the region.
Villareal highlighted the ongoing assessment of local logistics capabilities, including available storage facilities, FFPs, and resource readiness, to improve the efficiency of future relief operations in disaster-prone areas. The strategic placement of family food packs aims to ensure accessibility and rapid assistance to island municipalities affected by disasters.
In addition to these measures, the DSWD-5 has rolled out its cash-for-work (CFW) program targeting fisherfolk from the 4th District of Camarines Sur who were impacted by severe tropical storm Pepito. This initiative will cover 28,000 partner-beneficiaries identified through an impact assessment. The program will run for four days across the province, with each beneficiary receiving PHP415 per day for their participation in various community rehabilitation and preparedness activities.
Villareal mentioned that the CFW program is currently in the preparation stage, with operations set to commence next week and payouts expected in the third week of June. The primary objective of the project is to aid in the recovery efforts of the affected communities. During the orientation, beneficiaries were briefed on the purpose of the CFW program and the activities they will engage in, along with the documentation required by the agency staff.
Additionally, the agency’s emergency cash transfer program continues to support households that incurred total or partial damage from Pepito. Villareal emphasized the role of the CFW program in enabling recipients to contribute to community rehabilitation while receiving financial support. An extensive outline of expected activities was provided during the session to ensure alignment with program objectives and community needs.
DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio underscored the importance of forging partnerships with local government units to deliver effective and compassionate social services to communities vulnerable to disaster effects.