The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on alert as it monitors the possible effects of Typhoon Rosita (international name: Yutu), which is expected to affect the Northern and Central parts of Luzon this week.

“Our Field Offices (FOs) in the concerned regions are continuously monitoring the weather situation on the ground through their Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and are closely coordinating with affected local government units (LGUs) for the immediate provision of assistance when needed,” DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista said.

In preparation for the typhoon, the Disaster Management and Response Team (DRMT) of the Department’s Field Office in Region II will render 24/7 duty starting tonight. An Emergency Operation Center will also be set up in the field office’s lobby section to complement the staff in disaster duty.

The DSWD Central Office (CO), Field Offices, and the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to P1,405,264,304.48, which can readily be used to respond to emergency situations.

Of this amount, P465,743,481.71 is the standby fund in the CO and FOs, while P411,020,429.10 is the available Quick Response Fund in the Central Office.

The Department also has a total of 371,763 Family Food Packs (FFPs) amounting to P135,717,678.32, and available food and non-food items (FNIs) amounting to P803,803,144.45.

Undas 2018

Apart from preparing for the possible effects of the typhoon, the DSWD is also on alert to assist those who may require immediate assistance from the Department as the country observes ‘Undas’ or All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

“Nakahanda po ang ating Departamento na magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayang maaring makaranas ng krisis ngayong ‘Undas’(Our Department is ready to extend aid to our fellow citizens who may face a crisis this ‘Undas),” Sec. Bautista said.

The Secretary said that those who may need assistance, such as travelers who may get stranded on the road due to unforeseen events, may go to the nearest DSWD Field Offices, which operate the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU).

Sec. Bautista also reminded the public to always prioritize the safety of their families as they travel back to their provinces to visit their departed loved ones this All Saints’ Day.

“Hangad po natin ang seguridad at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. Kung hindi maiwasang bumiyahe ay ibayong pag-iingat ang ating gawin lalung-lalo sa mga lugar na apektado ng ‘Rosita’ (We always prioritize the security and safety of our kababayans. If we cannot avoid traveling, we need to take precautions especially in areas along the path of ‘Rosita’),”he added.###