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Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Virginia N. Orogo (seated, left) and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Inc. President Rene S. Meily (seated, right) signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a partnership on disaster response operations. Also in photo are (standing from left to right): DSWD-National Response and Logistics Management Service (NRLMS) Director Fernando R. De Villa, Jr; DSWD OIC-Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group Rodolfo Santos; PDRF Operations Director Felino C. Castro; and PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Virginia N. Orogo (seated, left) and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Inc. President Rene S. Meily (seated, right) signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a partnership on disaster response operations. Also in photo are (standing from left to right): DSWD-National Response and Logistics Management Service (NRLMS) Director Fernando R. De Villa, Jr; DSWD OIC-Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group Rodolfo Santos; PDRF Operations Director Felino C. Castro; and PDRF Executive Director Veronica Gabaldon.

“The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Inc. (PDRF) is a significant milestone in our disaster reconstruction initiatives as the PDRF has long established its unstinted contribution to the country and resilience in extending its arms to help the disadvantaged population.”

This was emphasized by DSWD Secretary Virginia Orogo as she recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PDRF President Rene Meily for a partnership on disaster response operations.

Even prior to the MOU,  PDRF has been helping the DSWD with its disaster operations.  PDRF provided transportation support that enabled the Department to deliver food packs to areas affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano  in March and those hit by tropical storms in Pampanga and Pangasinan.  The foundation also extended medical and educational assistance to internally displaced persons in Marawi City.

Under the MOU, PDRF will provide capacity augmentation assistance to DSWD, specifically on disaster operations such as disaster response surge capacity building; interventions along disaster resiliency; and, public service continuity for DSWD social welfare and development programs.

The PDRF also has corresponding programs in five key sectors created for post-disaster recovery  which can be tapped under the partnership.  These are shelter; livelihood; education; environment; and, water, infrastructure, sanitation, and health.

The Department, on the other hand, will ensure that the assistance of PDRF will be implemented only on disaster response-related operations. DSWD will also take charge of daily operational needs such as the preparation of proposals, conduct of monitoring, and preparation of reports.  As partners, the DSWD will also allow PDRF to participate in the monitoring of project implementation.

The PDRF head commended the DSWD for its untiring work in responding to the needy in times of disaster.

He shared, “Wherever we go in times of disaster, DSWD is always there.  DSWD disaster teams are the real heroes  in times of disasters. We really rely on you.  Thank you to all of you,” Meily said.

He added that the private sector also has its role to play which is to provide support whenever possible.

Sec. Orogo stressed that DSWD will further strengthen its partnership with the private sector.

“May this MOU with PDRF encourage more members of the private sector to get involved in government efforts towards an inclusive, developed, and prosperous Philippines,” Sec. Orogo ended. ###