Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed over 8 million family food packs to nearly 7 million families affected by a series of disasters in 2024, according to an official report. This large-scale distribution effort was facilitated by the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Response Center in Mandaue City, Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao stated that the food packs were part of a larger production of 10 million boxes. This effort was attributed to the severity of tropical cyclones and other calamities, as well as enhanced disaster response operations and improved collaboration with partner agencies.

The DSWD focused its humanitarian efforts on families impacted by multiple typhoons and tropical storms, including Typhoons Aghon, Butchoy, Ferdie, and Gener, and Tropical Storms Carina, Enteng, and Helen, along with significant fires, earthquakes, and volcanic incidents. As a result, over 524,000 families also benefited from the agency’s Cash-for-Work, Food for Work, and Emergency Cash Transfer programs.

To improve aid delivery, the DSWD expanded its warehousing capacity, establishing nearly 1,000 storage facilities nationwide. This expansion is part of the Buong Bansa Handa Project, which includes two parallel supply chain mechanisms designed to ensure comprehensive and timely assistance to disaster-affected areas.

In 2024, the DSWD also advanced its disaster response capabilities by launching the Disaster Response Command Center and Mobile Command Center. These initiatives, supported by advanced technology, have enhanced communication and coordination between the DSWD, local government units, and disaster response agencies.

Additionally, the DSWD introduced ready-to-eat food as part of its relief items, aiming for rapid distribution to affected families within 24 to 48 hours after a disaster. The agency plans to preposition these food items in strategic locations by 2025.

From July 2023 to May 2024, El Ni±o conditions impacted the Philippines, prompting the DSWD to recalibrate its Risk Resiliency Program. The department launched Project Local Adaptation to Water Access and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished, benefiting over 137,000 individuals in 310 localities. These projects have been recognized by the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction for their effectiveness in mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis.