Manila: The Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday assured the public of its readiness to deliver aid to localities to be affected by the latest weather disturbance, Tropical Depression (TD) Salome.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s DRMG stated that the department is prepared with close to two million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in its warehouses nationwide, ready to be tapped for timely relief operations.

Dumlao emphasized that the DSWD, particularly through the DRMG, remains vigilant about the latest weather disturbances, tracking their paths and identifying areas at risk as they move across the country. This preparation continues even as the department addresses other disaster-hit areas affected by recent typhoons and earthquakes.

The stockpiles are stored in approximately 1,000 warehouses strategically positioned across the nation, ensuring that affected families can receive relief items swiftly wherever Salome may cause significant rainfall, the spokesperson highlighted.

In addition to food supplies, the DSWD maintains non-food items valued at PHP863 million. These include blankets, family kits, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, and modular tents, all of which can be provided to families seeking temporary shelter in evacuation centers, Dumlao explained.

She also noted that maintaining tight coordination between the DSWD and concerned local government units (LGUs) remains a top priority, following the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Dumlao reiterated the commitment that no Filipino will go hungry amid disasters, a priority emphasized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the DSWD and LGUs working hand in hand as disaster frontliners in their respective areas.

As a member-agency of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the DSWD will continue to collaborate with other agencies for any crucial updates on the impact of TD Salome, particularly with the Department of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.