DSWD sends immediate aid to Paeng-hit areas

• Published date: 30 October 2022
• Publication title: Philippines News agency

As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided immediate technical assistance and resource augmentation support to all local government units (LGUs) affected by severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

In a coordination meeting on Saturday, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo ensured that the instruction from the President is clear to all DSWD regional directors.

He also reiterated that all Field Offices (FOs) should remain on alert and ready for disaster response operations.

'This is our time. This is our moment. It is our job to help those in crisis,' Tulfo said, emphasizing the significant role of the DSWD in times of disaster.

During the meeting, heads of all DSWD Field Offices shared the updates on their disaster relief efforts, including assistance provided, available standby funds and stockpiles of food and non-food items, as well as the prepositioned goods in the different strategic locations.

Tulfo also directed all FOs to frequently provide reports on their ongoing disaster operations following the order from the President.

'The President is asking for an update every hour. That's what the President wants,' Tulfo said.

Tulfo is set to meet again with the Regional Directors on Sunday to gather updates on the disaster response operations of FOs and assess the appropriate interventions needed by the affected population.

Update on disaster response

Field Offices along the path of Paeng reported to Tulfo their disaster operations and relief efforts of their respective offices.

As of 6 a.m. Sunday, more than PHP22.3 million worth of humanitarian assistance, composed of family food packs (FFPs) and other non-food items, were provided by DSWD to the affected population.

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