Butuan city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga (DSWD-13) has strategically prepositioned over 158,000 family food packs (FFPs) across the region. This initiative is designed to ensure that families are not left without support during times of crisis, the agency announced in a statement on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the availability of these resources will facilitate the swift delivery of aid to affected communities, thereby minimizing delays and guaranteeing that urgent needs are addressed promptly during disasters. The DSWD-13 emphasized its commitment to readiness in the face of changing weather patterns and the increasing frequency of natural hazards.

The distribution includes 4,450 FFPs in five towns of Agusan del Norte, 7,075 in four towns and one city of Agusan del Sur, 20,902 in five towns of Dinagat Islands, 28,900 in 10 towns and one city of Surigao del Norte, and 35,842 in 12 towns and one city of Surigao del Sur. Additionally, 57,024 FFPs are stored in regional warehouses located in Butuan City, San Francisco in Agusan del Sur, Surigao City, and Tandag City.

The DSWD-13 is collaborating with local government units and partner agencies to strengthen preparedness measures, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to emergencies in the region.