The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) recently acquired mobile kitchens, water stations, and laboratory clinics are now operational and serving families and individuals affected by disasters as well as beneficiaries of anti-hunger programs and residents of centers and residential care facilities (CRCF).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a press conference on Thursday (March 27) that the mobile kitchens and water stations procured in February have been deployed to the various Field Offices across the country for use in anti-hunger programs and disaster operations.
“Iyong mobile kitchens at water stations na-deploy na natin sa ating Field Offices at gagamitin natin sa ating mga anti-hunger programs at sa ating disaster operations. Ito yung ipinaglaban ni Senator Joel [Villanueva] during the budget season na mabigyan ang Departamento ng ganitong kapasidad,” Secretary Gatchalian told reporters at the Central Office’s New Press Center.
Secretary Gatchaliian said the DSWD also received four mobile laboratory clinics as donations from the private sector which will be used in the Walang Gutom Kitchen (WKG) and to support the implementation of appropriate programs and services in the Field Offices.
“Nakatanggap din kami mula sa private sector ng mobile clinics naman na gagamitin natin sa Walang Gutom Kitchen. Kasi kung natandaan ninyo maraming nagwa-walk in doon na mga mamamayang nakatira sa lansangan, and we want to make sure na na-X-ray sila, nabibigyan sila ng first aid or ng medical na pangangailangan nila,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The remaining three mobile laboratory clinic will be deployed for use by the Field Offices especially in the provision of basic health care to the residents of DSWD managed care facilities.
“Then yung tatlo nating natanggap ide-deploy natin sa Field Offices para sa ibat ibang programa tulad ng pag-deploy nito sa care facilities natin para yung mga kliyente natin, yung mga nakatira sa amin [CRCF], hindi na lalabas at pupunta sa mga primary health care facilities, kasi kung basic lang, duon na lang natin sa loob gagawin,” the DSWD chief explained.
In response to a media query, Secretary Gatchalian stressed that all mobile facilities will be utilized in disaster response operations to respond to the basic food and health needs of the affected families.
These mobile facilities, which were obtained in collaboration with stakeholders through the whole-of-government-approach, will greatly help the DSWD in providing a holistic intervention for the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized sectors who are in dire need of help.
Secretary Gatchalian’s Press Conference was in lieu of the weekly DSWD Thursday Media Forum of the Strategic Communications Group. (GDVF)