Proactive approach continues to define the Marcos administration’s disaster preparedness as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) partnered to preposition ready-to-eat-food (RTEF) boxes in port areas ahead of disasters.
“Ito ay step forward toward the right direction in disaster preparedness… part of being disaster resilient. Ang utos ng Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, hindi ‘yung nandon na ‘yung evacuees, saka lang tayo mag-iisip ng ganito. Pagsunod natin ito sa utos ng pangulo pagdating sa disaster preparedness,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during the signing of the prepositioning agreement between the DSWD and PPA on Friday (June 27) at the Manila North Port Passenger Terminal.
The agreement captures the deal between the DSWD and PPA to store RTEF in PPA-managed storing facilities nationwide to expedite aid delivery. It is intended for stranded passengers during typhoons that disrupt sea travel.
The DSWD chief said this deal is critical in bringing RTEF to life, the newest innovation of the Department.
The RTEF, which contains pre-cooked meals and ready-to-eat snacks, expands the DSWD’s range of relief goods and addresses the previous lack of food aid that does not require cooking.
“Marami kaming kits sa DSWD, meron tayong regular family food packs, meron tayong sleeping kits pero wala tayong ready-to-eat. Kasi ‘yung regular family food packs natin, kailangan pang iluto, kailangan nasa evacuation center ka, may community kitchen, may sapat na support staff. Pero dito, on their own, ‘yung mga pasahero mismo, ‘yung pamilya nila, mapapakain nila ‘yung sarili nila na wala nang masyadong assistance ng government agencies,” the DSWD chief explained.
Secretary Gatchalian affirmed that every product inside RTEF boxes has undergone a meticulous selection process with the DSWD’s collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
“Lahat ‘to every single one, dumaan dito sa amin, tinikman natin sa office ko, at sinigurado natin na masarap. Hindi lang masustansya, pero masarap,” the DSWD chief stressed.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said he is impressed with the products inside the RTEF boxes, explaining it is reflective of a government that strives to go above and beyond to address the public’s needs.
“It was a pleasant surprise no’ng nakita ko, na-realize ko premium ‘yung brands na nilagay niyo rito. Sa totoo lang binibili ko ito eh, kilala ko itong brand na to. So, I am happy na hindi [mararamdaman] ng tao na parang tinipid. Ito talaga, alam natin na premium yung brands,” General Manager Santiago pointed out.
Secretary Gatchalian alongside PPA General Manager Santiago also led a product sampling at the terminal right after the agreement signing.
Juliet Sontosidad, one of the passengers who tasted the samples, said the RTEF is not only filling but likewise brings satisfaction to her taste buds.
“Hindi siya masasayang, mauubos mo talaga siya, masarap po. Pwede po siya kahit hindi nainit eh, masarap na po talaga po siya,” Juliet said, referring to the champorado and canned paella as her top picks.
An RTEF box contains five cans of tuna paella, one can of chicken pastil, one can of giniling, two packs of arroz caldo, three packs of champorado, two protein biscuits, and one complementary food for infants.
It can feed up to a family of five for a whole day. (LSJ)