“Ipa-pilot po namin yung bagong AICS system by 4th quarter of this year. Sa ngayon po, ang inayos ng ating system ay paiksiin po ang pag-aantay ng mga guarantee letter. Mayroon pa po kaming tinitingnan na mga improvements, kung sakali pong payagan ng ating mga guidelines, baka po pwede naming gawin na huwag na pumunta rito sa amin yung mga kliyente,” Asst. Secretary for Information and Communications Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Johannes Paulus Acuña told reporters at the DSWD Thursday Media Forum at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

Asst. Secretary Acuña said the online system aims to digitize and streamline the current process of requesting guarantee letters, where clients physically visit DSWD offices, bring documentary requirements, and fall in line.

“Dito po sa improvement natin dito sa AICS system, yung GL po ay online na mave-verify noong ating mga partner organizations—pharmacies, hospitals. Yung integrity po ng system ay pinapataas natin, yung convenience rin po sa ating mga kliyente, hindi na nila kailangang dalahin yung mga papel,” Asst. Secretary Acuña said.

The AICS is one of the social protection services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis.

In the current process, social workers assess each client via face-to-face interview.

Asst. Secretary Acuña said part of the digitalization effort is exploring the use of technology for online client interviews and assessment, inspired by teleconsultation practices during the pandemic.

“Siguro pamilyar po kayo doon sa concept ng teleconsulting. Hindi po sila kailangang magkita face-to-face. Tinitingnan po namin yung mga social worker interviews, kung pwedeng gawin, ay gamitan na rin ng technologies para at the convenience ng ating mga kliyente. Tatawagan na lang po ng ating social workers at doon na po mag-iinterview, few hours or few minutes, pag approved, available na ang guarantee letter,” Asst. Secretary Acuña pointed out.

While the system seeks to reduce waiting hours and improve service delivery, Asst. Secretary Acuña explained that offline or analog services will still be available for clients without access to digital tools.

“Hindi po namin masasabi na lahat ng kliyente namin ay may kakayanan mag-access ng mga online and digital services. Mayroon pa rin pong sasalo na analog service delivery mode, yung sa mga pila, pero para ito sa mga hirap o walang access,” Asst. Secretary Acuña told reporters. (YADP)

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This was emphasized by Asst. Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Service and Chief Information Officer (CIO) Johannes Paulus Acuña during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on July 3 as he officially opened calls for the submission of proposals for possible collaboration in the digital transformation of the Department.

“We are launching a call for proposals dito po sa DSWD, kung kayo po ay government agency, private sector, technology provider, academe, consulting firm, nasa start-up, NGO or non-profit, punta lang po kayo sa link https://tinyurl.com/mwsyjwtb at gusto po naming malaman kung paano po tayo magtutulungan,” Asst. Secretary Acuña said in the media forum held at the DSWD Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

Under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD has aggressively embarked on the streamlining and digitalization of its programs and services in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to digitize more than 90 percent of government agencies that give direct service to the people.

Asst. Secretary Acuña said the DSWD’s digitalization projects include the modernization of regional offices and attached agencies, as well as the development of online systems for frontline services.

These digital initiatives prioritize the improvements of systems supportive to investments in human capital, rapid and sustained disaster response, and efficient service delivery, according to the DSWD’s CIO.

“Investment sa human capital, ito po ay yung pagpapabuti ng ating mga mamamayan sa kanilang level of well-being. Kami po ay tumutulong din sa pag improve po ng sustained disaster response. Kahit na may areas na wala pong kuryente, walang internet, naghahanap po kami ng solusyon para mas mabilis at mapabuti pa po ang ating pag provide ng disaster relief services,” Asst. Secretary Acuña told reporters.

Earlier this year, the DSWD launched numerous automated systems such as the Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), Kaagapay Donations Portal, and the Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) permit online system.

According to the CIO, the Department has various analog services which need digital transformation to better serve the public.

“Sa DSWD, marami po tayong analog services, pag analog po, dito po pumipila at nag-aantay ang ating mga kliyente, mga beneficiary. Unfortunately, nawawalan sila ng opportunity na magkaroon ng kita for a day. Kinakailangan po nilang umalis ng trabaho. …so inconvenienced po sila duon sa analog services,” Asst. Secretary Acuña explained.

The Department is currently looking for solutions to enable clients to access online services through its digital transformation. “Makakaasa po kayo sa DSWD, na yung frontline natin, ay digital at online na din po,” the CIO said.

Some of the digital projects currently being undertaken include the persons with disability Identification system, dynamic social registry, case management system, social pension system, solo parent system, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) online system, PhilSys E-Verify Tool, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Information System Reengineering, and the development of an interactive website.

The DSWD is also currently developing the concept for an Angel AI (Artificial Intelligence) which will serve as a help tool for the Department’s angels in red vests in the field.

“Yan po yung magiging tool or katuwang ng ating mga social workers sa field, yung mga nagpupunta sa mga bahay bahay, at kung may kailangan silang information sa DSWD, merong tutulong sa kanila,” Asst. Secretary Acuña pointed out.

Eventually, the Angel AI will be made available to the public to help them source out accurate and validated DSWD information.

With a long line-up of projects, as well as continuous enhancements of existing online systems, the Department is opening its doors for collaborations with experts to facilitate the comprehensive DSWD digital transformation. (GDVF)

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According to KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Manager (NPM) Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, the SET assessed the long-term functionality, relevance, and impact of the subprojects implemented through the KALAHI-CIDSS’ Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) modality.

“This activity reflects our goal to build not just infrastructure but resilience—ensuring that the subprojects initiated through KALAHI-CIDSS are not only completed but sustained by empowered communities,” NPM Mapue-Joaquin said.

Joining the KALAHI-CIDSS the June 27 activity held in Barangay Guiteb, in Ramos town, Tarlac were members of the CESB’s Integrated Salamin-Diwa (SALDIWA) ng Paglilingkod Training Course in the Philippines Batch 53, which is composed of public service leaders undergoing executive training.

The group evaluated the established day care center in Sitio Paoay, which was constructed through the combined grants from the KALAHI-CIDSS, municipal local counterpart contribution, and the CESB-SALDIWA. The day care center received an excellent rating from the evaluators with a score of 4.8 out of 5.

“The CESB-SALDIWA actively engaged with local stakeholders to understand best practices, identify areas for improvement, and explore replicable models of convergence. Their participation symbolizes a bridge between strategic governance and grassroots action, creating meaningful dialogue across sectors and levels of leadership,” NPM Mapue-Joaquin said.

Aside from the day care center, the KALAHI-CIDSS and CESB-SALDIWA also checked the water facility in the area, which was installed in partnership with the Ramos Water District last year.

The KALAHI-CIDSS is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the DSWD that aims to enhance access to basic social services and promote inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation. (AKDL)

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During the July 2 episode of the DSWD’s online program, “4Ps Fastbreak,” Director Gemma Gabuya, the 4Ps National Program Manager (NPM), said exploratory talks are ongoing with the DHSUD to help the beneficiaries own affordably-priced homes with lower monthly amortizations.

“[Nasa] exploratory [talks pa] kung paano makaka-avail yung ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries dun nga sa programa ng Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) [ng DHSUD]. Kasi sabi ko nga kailangan din ihahanda natin ang ating mga beneficiaries bago man sila mag-exit o mag-graduate sa program na magkaroon ng sariling bahay,” Director Gabuya explained.

The 4Ps NPM said part of the agreement during the exploratory meeting was to draft a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and a data-sharing agreement (DSA) with the DHSUD to help determine the list of 4Ps beneficiaries that have the capacity to pay for affordable housing units.

“Pag may DSA na at ma-share natin yung data natin kung sino talaga ang ating mga priority na bigyan ng pabahay magkakaroon na tayo ng memorandum of agreement [with DHSUD] kung paano na ma-aavail ng mga ating beneficiaries [ang pabahay],” Director Gabuya pointed out.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian had an initial meeting with DHSUD officials led by Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling last June 19. Officials of the two agencies discussed possible housing projects that can be accessed by exiting 4Ps households.

Secretary Gatchalian said in the June 19 meeting that housing assistance for 4Ps beneficiaries is a necessity to help with their smoother and more dignified transition towards self-sufficiency.

Launched in 2008 and institutionalized by Republic Act (RA) 11310 in 2019, the 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve their children’s health, nutrition, and education.

The ‘4Ps Fastbreak’ is hosted by Information Officer Venus Balito of the Strategic Communications’ Digital Media Service (DMS) and is aired every Wednesday at 11 am, using the DSWD’s Facebook platform. (AKDL)

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Early Wednesday (July 2) morning, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian inspected the site where he was able to see firsthand how the community is benefitting from the twin initiatives, which particularly fall under the agency’s Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).

“Ito ‘yung proyekto natin — yung LAWA at BINHI, alinsunod ito sa utos ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., bilang lagi niyang sinasabi na kailangan may sapat na pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Secretary Gatchalian said in an interview with members of the media during the site visit.

Launched in 2023, the Project LAWA and BINHI is a DSWD initiative designed to ensure that agricultural productivity continues during droughts or dry periods and even on days with extreme heavy rainfall.

Under the BINHI component of the program, the community garden in Brgy. San Isidro was cultivated by 150 partner-beneficiaries composed of local farmers, senior citizens, and solo parents under the program’s cash-for-training and work (CFT/W).

Each beneficiary received Php10,000 for 20-days of rendered labor and attendance in training sessions.

“May cash for work na sila, meron pa silang farm kung saan sila pwedeng kumuha ng kinakain nila. Itong mga community garden or rural farm, importante ito kasi sa ganitong paraan, sa mga darating na sakuna at kalamidad, meron at meron silang palaging makakain,” Secretary Gatchalian, who was impressed with the program implementation, pointed out.

Some of the surplus harvests are also sold in Metro Manila and in local markets, resulting to the further boosting of the beneficiaries’ livelihood ventures.

The community garden is also now well-capacitated to serve as a supplier for feeding programs led by the DSWD’s Field Office 3 – Central Luzon.

Secretary Gatchalian, who was able to engage with the beneficiaries over a hearty breakfast cooked from the abundant harvest of their garden, was elated to share how locals used their hard-earned money from the project.

“Yung natanggap naman ng iba na cash-for-work, yung sweldo nila for 20 days sa pagtaguyod nitong farm nagamit nila para maitaguyod naman ulit ng ibang hanapbuhay katulad ng pagtitinda ng frozen meat, pagre-resell ng school supplies,” Secretary Gatchalian happily shared to reporters.

The beneficiaries also jointly worked in rehabilitating a nearby riverbank. The stretch of the river in San Luis town often serves as a catch basin, leading to clogs caused by debris brought from other larger water bodies.

Now, the river has been rehabilitated and revitalized. It is now being kept clean and presently home to an abundant harvest of kangkong.

Beyond the 20-days of paid work, the community garden and riverbank continue to thrive under the close care of beneficiaries, who now have full control over the resources that will sprout from the growing farm and irrigation sites.

As part of a whole-of-government approach, the DSWD has tapped the assistance of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which provided the seedlings for the community garden and the fingerlings for the river.

The Project LAWA and BINHI has been also instrumental in raising awareness on climate change and ways to mitigate its adverse impact among communities, particularly through its training focused on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and practical skills in gardening, and water harvesting.

Joining Secretary Gatchalian in the site visit were Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, Pampanga 4th District Rep. Anna York Cristina Bondoc-Sagum, 4th District Board Member Kaye Naguit, and San Luis Mayor Dr. Jayson Sagum.

Department officials who accompanied the DSWD chief were Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMG), and Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB), and Regional Director Venus Rebuldela of DSWD Field Office 3-Central Luzon. (LSJ)

The post DSWD’s Project LAWA at BINHI in Brgy. San Isidro, Pampanga:Where food security and climate resilience meet first appeared on DSWD.

“Even if the 4Ps beneficiaries already graduate or exit from the program, patuloy po natin silang i-a-assist through other interventions,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD’s spokesperson, said during the National Press Club’s (NPC) Meet the Press in Intramuros, Manila.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained to reporters that before exiting the program, 4Ps household-beneficiaries are assessed based on the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) to determine their level of well-being.

The SWDI assessment is being used as the basis for the exit of the 4Ps members is based on the National Advisory Council (NAC) Resolution No. 1 series of 2023 and which was operationalized by the DSWD through the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 19 series of 2023.

“Taon-taon po nating isinasagawa ‘yan para ma-measure natin ‘yong level of wellbeing ng mga 4Ps beneficiaries natin. Kapag nakita po kasi natin nag improve na ‘yong level of wellbeing, nasa level three na po sila ng self-sufficient, pwede na po silang mag exit from the program,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao told members of the media.

For the update on the household-beneficiaries that have been reinstated in 2024, the DSWD spokesperson said their retroactive payments were already distributed and that they are continuously being monitored by their city/municipal links for their monthly compliance in order to receive their grants.

The reinstatement of the more than 700,000 household-beneficiaries was made as a result of the SWDI assessment following several requests for reconsideration from 4Ps members following the Listahanan 3 came in 2022.

To help exiting 4Ps members sustain their self-sufficiency status, the DSWD is collaborating with other government agencies and partners to help them access other programs and services.

One of the activities mentioned by Asst. Secretary Dumlao was the holding of the ‘Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa 4Ps’ job fairs.

“We collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), para magsagawa ng jobs fair para nga po sa ating mga [exiting] 4Ps beneficiaries. Ang objective po nyan, ay para again, masustain ‘yong investment po ng ating gobyerno sa atin pong mga 4Ps beneficiaries at matiyak na magpapatuloy ‘yong movement ng kanilang level of wellbeing at hindi na po bumalik sa kahirapan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiyak na meron po silang trabaho even after exiting from the program,” the DSWD spokesperson said. (AKDL)

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“Lagi natin pinapaalala na ang DSWD ay may first name at last name. Ang first name niyan ay social welfare, diyan papasok ‘yung mga binanggit na mga social sentiments, mga stop gap measure, mga ayuda. But DSWD has the last name which is social development, diyan pumapasok ‘yung mga programa at serbisyo natin na nag-e-empower sa mga kababayan natin na mga mahihirap, mga vulnerable,” Asst Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said at the National Press Club’s (NPC) Meet the Press on Tuesday (July 1) in Intramuros, Manila.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, told reporters that the “social welfare” component refers to the DSWD’s role in providing immediate and timely support, especially in the face of crisis situations such as illnesses, disasters, and other emergencies.

These safety nets, including the cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and relief support during disasters, are designed to cushion the impact of unforeseen hardships.

“Ang pagkakasakit lang ng isang miyembro ng pamilya ay maaaring ma-exhaust o maubos ang resources nila kahit na mayroon silang pangunahing pinagkakakitaan at mayroon silang savings. That’s why the government is there and the DSWD is there, to provide immediate interventions,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.

The “social development” side of the DSWD, as mentioned by the DSWD spokesperson refers to long-term, sustainable, and human capital investment programs that empower individuals and families.

Through initiatives like the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), the DSWD trains and equips Filipinos to become self-reliant by supporting their access to livelihood and employment opportunities.

“So, eventually they’ll be able to fish for their own, they’ll be able to have a better future, ma-improve ‘yung kanilang level of wellbeing, by capacitating them, by building on their competencies, tini-train din po natin sila,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

The DRMG official added: “So again, these are just some of the interventions being provided by the DSWD to help empower ‘yung mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan—so that hindi lang sila basta aasa sa tulong ng gobyerno.”

Other development programs of the DSWD include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). (YADP)

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The subsidized rice to be provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) is available to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Ang ganitong hakbang ay malaking tulong para sa ating mga kababayan na araw-araw ay nagsusumikap na maitawid ang kanilang pamilya. Ito ay patunay na hindi nakakalimutan ng ating gobyerno ang ating mga bulnerableng kababayan,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said on Tuesday (July 1).

Beneficiaries may avail of the Php20 per kilo rice in select Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores located in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 3 (Central Luzon), CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA.

“Mayroon ding mga Kadiwa pop-up stores sa NCR na maaaring puntahan ng ating mga 4Ps members, persons with disabilities, solo parents, at senior citizens. Mayroon sa mga siyudad ng Malabon, Manila, Pasig, San Juan, at Taguig,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Aside from the Kadiwa stores, there are also accredited non-Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila offering rice at the same affordable price.

In Region 1 (Ilocos Region), beneficiaries may proceed to the Lingayen Municipal Hall in Pangasinan to avail of the discounted rice.

To be eligible, beneficiaries are reminded to bring valid identification for proper verification.

“Para sa ating mga senior citizen, kailangan nilang dalahin ang kanila mga senior citizen ID; sa mga solo parent, Solo Parent Identification Cards (SPIC); sa persons with disabilities, kailangan ang kanilang persons with disability ID; at gayundin sa mga 4Ps household beneficiaries,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

For the full list of Kadiwa and non-Kadiwa rice outlets, program beneficiaries may check the link: https://bit.ly/P20Rice_KadiwaStores, or they may visit the official website of the DA. (YADP)

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This historical development follows the release of the 2024 report of UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) last June 20.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo of the agency’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs said on Tuesday (July 1) this milestone marks the country’s commitment of creating a safe and enabling environment for children, especially those who are in situations of armed conflict.

“The removal of the Philippines from the UN report on children and armed conflict is proof that our efforts in prioritizing peace and upholding the rights of children are on the right track. We are very happy with this development, and we will continue to ensure that our efforts to prioritize the protection and welfare of children will remain as part of our national priorities,” Undersecretary Dimaporo said.

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) led by Undersecretary Angelo Tapales has been at the forefront of high-level engagements with key UN representatives where the CWC presented child protection measures, peace initiatives, and policy reforms being implemented by the Philippine government to guarantee the best interest of children at all times.

One of the successful engagements of the CWC was a meeting with the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on CAAC Virginia Gamba on March 27 in New York.

Among the key initiatives discussed by Undersecretary Tapales during the meeting were: the establishment of the Inter-Agency Committee on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (IAC-CSAC) in 2019 to oversee the implementation of Republic Act No. 11188 or the “Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act”; the adoption of the 4th National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), which aligns with international child rights standards; and Executive Order No. 79 series of 2024, which created the MAKABATA Program and institutionalized the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 as the central reporting system for all issues and concerns related to Children in Need of Special Protection.

“The Philippines carries forward a strong record of effective action—strengthening protections, institutionalizing safeguards, and ensuring that no child is left vulnerable to conflict,” Undersecretary Tapales told SRSG Gamba.

Last June 11, Asst. Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the Legislative Affairs Group was also invited to serve as a panelist in the side event of the 18th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP18-CRPD) titled, “Protecting Children in Armed Conflict, Safeguarding Futures.”

During the COSP18-CPRD side event, Asst. Secretary Fallarcuna presented significant policies that were created to protect children from being placed in situations of armed conflict such as the enactment of RA 11188; the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (IAC CSAC); and, the institutionalization of a Monitoring, Reporting, and Response System (MRRS) which is a reporting mechanism to address grave child rights violations.

“Together with the UN, civil society, and other stakeholders, we have improved our national reporting mechanism, expanded our capacities, and aligned our programs with global norms. As a result of these efforts, we have seen a measurable decrease in grave child rights violations. From 69 cases in 2018, 79 cases in 2019, and 25 cases in 2023. For 2024, the Philippines has brought down the cases of grave child rights violations to only nine,” Asst. Secretary Fallarcuna said in her report.

Upon instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DSWD, under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will continue creating a safe, nurturing, and enabling environment for children to help them achieve their full potential. (AKDL)

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“Alam naman po natin na ang bansang Pilipinas ay number one in the World’s Risk Index dahil very prone po ito sa mga iba’t-ibang disasters and calamities. And with the threats of climate change na exacerbate po, o mas pinapalala ‘yung mga disasters na kinakaharap ng ating bansa, kagaya ng mga bagyo…kaya nga po ang DSWD ay mas pinaigting po ang disaster response efforts nito,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said during the National Press Club’s (NPC) Meet the Press on Tuesday (July 1).

According to Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, the BBH utilizes two parallel supply chain mechanisms for disaster preparedness and response.

The first supply chain features a national and local government-driven supply chain that aims to increase the production capacities and processes of the agency’s National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City, the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Cebu, and the warehouse and storage facilities across all DSWD Field Offices (FOs).

For the second supply chain, Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained that the Department forged partnerships through framework agreements with established large and small groceries, supermarkets, manufacturers, and distributors to leverage on their technical expertise and resources to create a private sector-driven supply chain.

“Last year kung maaalala ninyo, sunod-sunod na typhoons…anim na bagyo po ‘yan. Napakalaking tulong ng Buong Bansa Handa Program sapagkat madali natin naipaparating ang kinakailangang tulong sa mga kababayan natin. We were able to respond to request of various local governments para madagdagan ‘yung kanilang paghahatid ng tulong sa kanilang mga constituent,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.

Another innovation shared by the DSWD spokesperson is the prepositioning of ready-to-eat-food (RTEF) boxes in port areas before any disaster strikes.

“Kapag ikaw ay hindi makalakbay sapagkat ang iyong barkong sinasakyan ay kinakailangan munang manatili sa port, hindi mo na iisipin kung ano ang kakainin mo o ano ang gagamitin mo for the day that you are inside the port.Sapagkat, mayroon na rin po kaming ready-to-eat food packs,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao told reporters.

An RTEF box contains five cans of tuna paella, one can of chicken pastil, one can of giniling, two packs of arroz caldo, three packs of champorado, two protein biscuits, and one complementary food for infants. It can feed up to a family of five for a whole day.

The DSWD currently maintains over 3 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned across the country that can be immediately distributed to LGUs that will be affected by disasters or emergencies. (AKDL)

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