DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian
AS furious tropical storm Kristine barrels towards the Philippines, government agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the timely delivery of essential aid, particularly food packs, to affected communities. A crucial element of this response is the strategic pre-positioning of supplies, a proactive measure that aims to minimize delays and maximize the effectiveness of relief efforts.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead agency for social welfare and disaster response, has already pre-positioned family food packs (FFPs) in key locations nationwide, including regional warehouses and disaster response centers. These FFPs contain essential non-perishable food items like canned goods, rice, and noodles, designed to provide immediate sustenance to affected families.
In a press briefing held in Malacanang on Thursday, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian stated “We have already pre-positioned our family food packs in various locations across the country. This proactive approach allows us to respond swiftly and efficiently to the needs of those affected by the storm.”
The DSWD is also working closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that these pre-positioned supplies are readily available and can be distributed quickly to affected communities. He also added that LGUs are responsible for identifying and prioritizing beneficiaries based on the severity of the impact in their respective areas.
“We are coordinating with LGUs to ensure that our pre-positioned supplies are readily available and can be distributed efficiently,” Gatchalian added. “Our goal is to get these food packs to those who need them most as quickly as possible.”
