A day before the start of 2019, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged the public to remain alert due to the sporadic rain showers brought by the Northeast Monsoon or ‘Amihan’ in various areas in the country.
 
“As we celebrate the coming new year, we also remind the public to stay alert and to keep safe because of the intermittent rains that continue to affect our country,”  DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova said.
 
“We assure everyone that our emergency response coordination with affected local government units (LGUs) is ongoing to ensure the safety and security of families that were displaced by Tropical Depression Usman,”  Asec. Relova added.
 
As of the latest report from the DSWD Disaster Response and Management Bureau (DRMB), some 3,488 families or 13,469 persons are still staying in 112 evacuation centers in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas while 189 families or 939 individuals are staying with relatives and friends.
 
Moreover, affected LGUs reported that they already ensured that all displaced families were given hot meals and immediate assistance.
 
The Department has already provided P395,144 amount of augmentation support to the affected LGUs and is now waiting for additional request for augmentation and technical assistance.
 
Moreover, the DSWD has prepared its emergency telecommunications equipment to be deployed, if deemed necessary.
 
Repacking of family food packs (FFPs) is also ongoing in concerned field offices and DSWD personnel continue to render 24/7 duty to monitor the situation in affected areas.
 
“Let us always keep in mind that the safety of our family comes first in times of disaster. On behalf of the DSWD family, we wish all our kababayans to have a peaceful and safe New Year celebration,” the Assistant Secretary ended. ###