Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on Blue Alert status, with concerned regional offices monitoring developments as Tropical Depression Basyang approaches northeastern Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD has initiated measures to ensure preparedness for the incoming weather disturbance. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group stated that all DSWD Field Offices along the cyclone's track have been notified to monitor the situation and coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that all response measures are in place.

The DSWD is prepared to distribute food items to affected LGUs, with over 3.5 million family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned across various hubs and warehouses nationwide. Notably, the DSWD Field Office Caraga holds more than 186,000 boxes of FFPs, Central Visayas over 77,000 boxes, and Eastern Visayas more than 161,000 boxes.

The Luzon Disaster Resource Operations Center in Pasay City has more than 672,000 boxes of FFPs, while the Visayas Disaster Resource Operations Center in Mandaue City has over 317,000 boxes. The DSWD also maintains a Quick Response Fund (QRF) of more than PHP3.04 billion at its Central Office, designated for relief and recovery operations during disasters.

DSWD disaster response equipment, including Mobile Command Centers and Mobile Kitchens, is on standby in all regional offices for deployment as necessary. Dumlao emphasized that, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives, the DSWD aims to proactively prepare for response operations, ensuring no Filipino family faces hunger during disasters.

The public is urged to prepare for the potential impacts of Basyang by maintaining coordination with LGUs and heeding announcements for possible pre-emptive evacuation. Dumlao assured that the DSWD is ready to assist those affected by the inclement weather.