Provision of food for LSIs

“Napakahirap ng buhay namin doon. Mamamatay kami sa gutom sa Manila. Buti na dito sa probinsya kasama mo pamilya mo at yung feeling safe kami,” according to a Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI) who recently arrived in Western Visayas.

Talking to Rosalyn Patriarca, a DSWD Field Office VI employee from the Disaster Response Management Division, the LSI received a welcome meal from the agency.

The DRMD and the Crisis Intervention Section under the Protective Services Division headed by Joselito Estember have been at the forefront of assisting LSIs who returned to Iloilo and neighboring provinces.

These LSIs, upon arrival, subject themselves to health protocols for their safety as well as the protection of the communities where they will return.

“Patuloy tayo sa serbisyo sa mga mas apektado ng COVID-19 na mga kababayan natin na galing Manila na gustong umuwi sa probinsya. Karamihan sa kanila mga naghahanap ng trabaho at nawalan ng trabaho. Kaya kami sa DSWD ay kaagapay nila,” Patriarca said.

Estember said “Ang inyong DSWD Regional Office VI ay naka- alalay sa inyong paglalakbay.”

Estember also said that DSWD has other programs and services under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation which the LSIs may avail just to help them thrive during this pandemic.

The DSWD has so far provided food to a total of 404 LSIs. (DSWD)