DSWD-6 raises red alert as Tino nears Western Visayas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 6 has elevated its Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to red alert status as Severe Tropical Storm Tino threatens Western Visayas.

Joselito Estember, DSWD-6 regional director, raised the alert following the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (RDRRMC) Memorandum No. 85, series of 2025, which upgraded the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) from blue alert to red alert effective 8 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2025.

DSWD-6 heightened its preparedness measures in response to a weather advisory from DOST-PAGASA issued on Nov. 2, which stated that “Tino may intensify into a typhoon and is expected to traverse Panay Island by Tuesday, Nov. 4.”

PAGASA noted that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 may be raised in the region, bringing heavy to torrential rains by Tuesday.

The weather bureau also warned of possible gale conditions, storm surges, and coastal flooding in low-lying and coastal areas in the coming days.

With the red alert declaration, DSWD-6 said all regional, provincial, city, and municipal Quick Response Teams (QRTs) were activated as of 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

Estember also instructed staff to coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) for emergency preparedness, technical assistance on DROMIC reporting, and readiness for immediate response operations.

These efforts focus on the three response clusters led by DSWD: Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Internally Displaced Persons Protection (IDPP), and Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs).

In the interest of safety, work at DSWD-6 regional and satellite offices was suspended on Nov. 3 and 4, 2025.

However, personnel assigned to QRT operations and essential services are required to report as necessary.

As of 7 p.m. on Nov. 2, DSWD-6 reported 106,755 Family Food Packs (FFPs) prepositioned at its regional warehouse in Oton, Iloilo, and in 55 other strategic locations across the region.

An additional 6,800 FFPs, out of the 10,000 requested from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Cebu, have already arrived.

In addition, 3,118 Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) items and 16,115 Non-Food Items (NFIs) are on standby for immediate deployment.

The agency is also processing an additional 144,637 FFPs from VDRC to augment its relief stockpile in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

Estember said these actions align with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure swift and efficient delivery of assistance to families that may be affected by the storm.

The agency also urged the public to stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and prioritize safety as Tino approaches.