Cordillera Administrative Region- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here has laid down measures for the possible effects of Typhoon Falcon in the region.
“As early as July 15, the Field Office has already been monitoring the weather disturbance. Our Quick Response Teams (QRT) in Apayao, Abra, and Ifugao are already on duty. All personnel are on standby for possible response” DSWD-CAR OIC-Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla said.
As of 16 July 2019, the DSWD Field Office CAR, Regional Resource Operations Section (RROS), and satellite warehouses have 15,900 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to P5,961,474.80 and available food and non-food items (FNIs) amounting to P38,122,209.55.
Aside from this, there is a total of P2,691,805.95 standby funds in the Field Office.
On June 2019, the DSWD-CAR forged an agreement with the Philippine Army to facilitate the storage of relief items in the Kalinga.
“We are continuously working on other partnerships to improve our service delivery especially in times of disaster. Meanwhile, we call on the public to be proactive during this times. You may directly report to your local governments, “ Director Quintilla added.
Republic Act 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010, mandates to strengthen disaster management in the Philippines, a country prone to natural hazards, emphasizing the importance of strengthening local governments and the role of local communities, civil society organizations and the private sector on disaster risk reduction and management.
Furthermore, Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code, highlights the important role of the local government units in providing programs and services for the communities.
“The DSWD-CAR will work hand in hand with our local government units and other partners in this endeavor. We will do our best to deliver efficient and necessary service to the Cordillera people,” Quintilla said.
By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva
Photo in file by RMC, PIA-CAR