The Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now on blue alert status as it monitors the development of the low-pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Guiuan, Eastern Visayas.

“Following the order from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), DSWD’s DRCC is now fully activated to monitor and prepare for any possible effects of the weather disturbance,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Friday (June 6).

In line with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD has prepositioned 3 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs), with over 360,000 non-food items, in the different hubs, spokes, and last miles across the country.

Even during the celebration of Eid’l Adha, the DSWD’s Quick Response Team (QRT) held a duty briefing and agency personnel continue their work to ensure that timely help will reach communities when needed.

“Our duty to serve does not pause for holidays. Gaya nga ng laging sinasabi ni Secretary Gatchalian, 365 days, hindi tumitigil ang disaster preparation ng DSWD. We remain on alert to make sure that our fellow Filipinos, especially the vulnerable, are safe and supported during times of uncertainty,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Apart from the prepositioned relief items, response teams in the different DSWD Field Offices are on standby and in close coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), NDRRMC, and local government units (LGUs).

“Ang tungkulin namin ay maglingkod sa lahat ng panahon. Hindi ito tumitigil kahit sa gitna ng mga pagdiriwang. Patuloy ang aming pagbabantay upang matiyak ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

The DSWD reminds the public to stay alert and monitor periodic announcements from local authorities. (YADP)