BAUKO, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE – The Department of Social Welfare and Development delivered a number of relief goods to the Regional Evacuation Center located in Poblacion Bauko, Mountain Province, on June 6, 2023. The DSWD will provide relief items including 300 family food packs, 25 pre-cut laminated sacks, 20 family kits, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, kitchen kits, 2 sets of modular tents, and 50 ready-to-eat food items. Under the supervision of PCpt. Elijahnauren Marcos A. Paloy from Bauko Municipal Police Station and Ruby W. Docao, Social Welfare Officer of the Municipal Social Welfare Department Office (MSWDO), a manpower team was deployed to facilitate the distribution of DSWD relief goods at the Regional Evacuation Center in Poblacion.
Affected areas and individuals
According to Ruby W. Docao, Social Welfare Officer of the Municipal Social Welfare Department Office (MSWDO), several areas were significantly affected by Typhoon Betty. In Monamon Sur, four families suffered the consequences of the typhoon. Out of these four families, one family had their house completely damaged, another family had their house partially damaged, and the other two families are serving as preemptive evacuees. These families were the primary beneficiaries of the relief goods provided by the DSWD. Additionally, one affected household was reported in Banao and Abatan within Bauko Municipality.
Mitigations, Programs, and Activities for Disaster Preparedness
The provision of relief goods by the DSWD to those affected by Typhoon Betty exemplifies the collaborative efforts between government agencies and local authorities in responding to disasters. The Municipality of Bauko, recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness, has implemented various mitigations, programs, and activities to safeguard its residents. This encompasses IEC materials, trainings, and seminars. By continuing to prioritize disaster risk reduction and management, Bauko aims to enhance community resilience and minimize the impact of future disasters.
In addition, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRRMC) has implemented various mitigation strategies, programs, and activities to minimize the potential risks associated with future disasters, including early warning signs, evacuation plans,community training and education, collaborative partnerships,
According to Docao, “.Ti purpose na ket dagidiay maited ti victims ti disaster (the purpose of this is to give to the disaster victims.)” She also added that most of the beneficiaries are those victims of fire incidents and those that were affected by Typhoon Betty. An augmentation will be done on the assistance that was already provided by the barangay. Then they will be giving the relief goods to the reported families that are victims of the disaster.
Mayor Randolf T. Awisan also shared that they immediately monitored, and as part of the program, they conducted meetings with the MDRR to plan for their action before the typhoon. During the typhoon, they convened to monitor the damages and proceed with the validation of the reported damages caused by the typhoon. “We immediately visited the site, and upon consultation with the constructors, we immediately cleaned the house, and there were also two sunken vehicles, so we immediately addressed the problem.”
Gerick Balong-angey, a resident of barangay Monamon Sur, said that before the disaster, the local government had already told them to be alert and look for each other. He is also thankful that the DSWD provides relief goods for the affected families. “No after din disaster et esa di nan dalos si arubayan na iman adi ngem no way landslide uno nagaburan di baey na man titinulong din man ili ay man patakdeg si atleast ay baey si maseypan di pamilya. (After the disaster, each household initiates to clean their areas. But when there is a landslide or damaged house, the community helps each other to build a house for the affected family.”
Rebecca Malicdan, a resident of Bauko, said that they are able to post updates through the LGU Bauko Facebook page, wherein the community is informed immediately. “Ok lang naman ti action ti munisipyo (The action of the municipality is okay),” she stated. By Michelle P. Masa
