Posted on by Nicole Kasandra Lipawen

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) signed a relief prepositioning agreement (RPA) with Narvacan, Tagudin, Sugpon, and San Emilio for prepositioning of Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs) in strategic areas in the Province of Ilocos Sur.

Based on the agreement, the DSWD will preposition FNFIs at the storage facility of the local government unit (LGU) renewable for three (3) years, ensuring compliance with warehousing and storage standards to safeguard against contamination and ensure the safety of the FNFIs.

The DSWD remains accountable for regularly monitoring the condition of the FNFIs and ensuring adherence to its “first in-first out” policy when releasing items. It guarantees that these relief items will supplement the LGU’s resources when depleted during a calamity.

DSWD enhances disaster readiness with local partners through a relief prepositioning agreement

In the event that the prepositioned relief food commodities are not utilized within the period of three months prior to its expiration, the LGU shall submit a request for Food-for-Work activities related to disaster preparedness, prevention, and mitigation. This mechanism aims to maximize the use of resources and promote community involvement in disaster risk reduction efforts.

“The signing of this relief prepositioning agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing our disaster preparedness efforts in Ilocos Sur. By strategically prepositioning FNFIs in 4 municipalities in Ilocos Sur, we strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies. Together with you, as our LGU partners, we aim not only to mitigate risks but to empower communities through proactive disaster management strategies,” said Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan during her message.

The RPA underscores the collaborative effort between the DSWD and the mentioned LGUs of Ilocos Sur, emphasizing proactive measures in disaster response and ensuring swift assistance not only in Region 1 but to communities in nearby regions in times of need. By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division