The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured the public that all its disaster management and response teams from the Central Office (CO) and 16 Field Offices (FOs) will be on standby for any incident that may require the agency’s immediate assistance during the observance of this year’s Holy Week or ‘Semana Santa.’

“As directed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, quick response teams (QRT) of the Department will remain on standby the entire Holy Week, ready for deployment should any event necessitate their intervention,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said on Tuesday (April 15).

Based on the April 15 report of the Disaster Response Operations Information Communication (DROMIC), the Department maintains over Php92 million in standby funds and more than 2.7 million family food packs (FFPs) in agency warehouses nationwide in time for the weeklong observance.

“We want nothing but a peaceful observance of the Holy Week. But of course, disasters, whether natural or human induced, may happen anytime. With this, we assure the public that our resources can be tapped and delivered immediately when the need arises,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.

The DSWD is closely coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and other concerned agencies to monitor weather systems that may affect the country in the coming days, according to the DSWD spokesperson.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao reminded the public to prioritize their safety as they observe the ‘Semana Santa’, particularly those who join the rush to go home to their respective hometowns and provinces to spend this yearly tradition with their families.

“We are urging the public to stay safe, remain vigilant, and heighten awareness to avoid untoward incidents or emergencies,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said. (LSJ)