Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) took swift action by distributing ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes to individuals stranded at various ports in Bicol and Caraga regions due to the cancellation of sea travel caused by Tropical Storm Ada, an official confirmed on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) emphasized the importance of providing food that can be immediately consumed by those affected by the typhoon, especially those stranded without certainty of when they can continue their journeys.

In the Bicol Region, DSWD personnel distributed 300 RTEF boxes to passengers at Matnog Port, 26 boxes at Castilla Port, and 25 boxes at Pilar Port in Pilar, Sorsogon. Meanwhile, in the Caraga Region, 160 stranded passengers received RTEF at Lipata Port and Eva Macapagal Port in Surigao City.

Each RTEF box includes five cans of tuna paella, three packs of champorado, two packs of chicken arroz caldo, two high-protein bars, one sachet of complementary food, one can of chicken pastil, and one can of chicken "giniling".

The DSWD spokesperson also mentioned that family food packs (FFPs) are prepared for families and individuals who may be affected by the weather disturbance. The department's latest Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) report indicates that there are 2,848,980 FFPs prepositioned in various facilities nationwide.

Currently, the DSWD has more than PHP3.5 billion worth of stockpiles and standby funds to support local government units requiring assistance.