Executives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) discuss ways to enhance disaster management to better serve Muslim communities in a dialogue on Monday (June 16) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

The meeting centered on integrating Muslim sensitivities in the management of evacuation camps and contents of family food packs (FFPs) being distributed to affected families and individuals during and after the onslaught of disasters.

The DSWD informed NCMF representatives that Muslim dietary considerations are already in place, guaranteeing that all FFPs are pork-free and there are continuing efforts to procure halal-certified products for Muslim beneficiaries.

The DSWD also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment in designing inclusive evacuation camps to create more respectful and comfortable environments for all evacuees.

Among the key outcomes in the dialogue were reciprocal invitations for officials to serve as resource persons in each other’s offices and actively sharing accurate information regarding the DSWD’s drive to be culturally considerate. Both agencies also agreed to jointly critique camp management layout and the DSWD welcomes suggestions for Halal food and Islam-appropriate non-food items.

The DSWD officials present during the meeting were Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo of the agency’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs; Director Leo Quintilla of the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB); and Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB).

The NCMF was represented by Deputy Executive Director Jehan-Jehan Lepail and Chief Jurhana Dimaampao.