DSWD-6 to assist LGUs affected by ‘Agaton’

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 6 (DSW-6) on Monday said it is ready to augment the resources of the local government units (LGUs) hit by tropical depression “Agaton” (Megi).

DSWD-6 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre has assured that affected families will get relief assistance.

“We will augment the resources of the LGUs in responding to the situation. While the LGUs remain at the forefront of disaster response, kami, we are ready na tulungan sila,” Macapobre said.

Latest records from the DSWD-6’s Disaster Response Management Division showed that the office has 23,053 standby family food packs.

The report added that 7,000 packs are already prepositioned in different areas while 16,053 are at the regional warehouse.

The food packs cost P11.2 million.

The agency has also P16.9 million worth of non-food items that can be released whenever the need arises.

As early as Saturday, the DSWD-6 already activated its quick response team (QRT) wherein it elevated info a red alert status for the staff to be ready for any eventuality.

Also, the office is closely coordinating with LGUs to monitor the situation and respond to calls for augmentation.

Only the town of Banate in Iloilo has requested for assistance for 1,137 affected families.