The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office 1 (DSWD FO 1), as the Vice Chair of Disaster Response and Early Recovery convened all the sub-cluster lead agencies to check the aftermath of Super Typhoon “Carina.” 

The meeting started with the Vice-Chair presenting the organizational structure of the Response Cluster and its sub-clusters to emphasize their roles in disaster response. It was emphasized that the Cluster Approach, adopted in 2008 through the National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), is integral to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Context established by Republic Act (RA) 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. This approach enhances the coordination and processes for disaster responses from the national down to local level agencies.

In this regard, DSWD’s specific roles during disaster response were highlighted. Aside from being the Vice-Chair of the Response Cluster, DSWD oversees the Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs) sub-cluster, which is responsible for the distribution of FNFIs. Additionally, DSWD leads the Camp Coordination and Camp Management, as well as the Internally Displaced Protection sub-clusters. The agency provides technical assistance to the Local Government Units (LGUs) that directly manages the evacuation centers, ensuring that the needs of those in temporary shelters receive necessary support and their safety is prioritized.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), incharge of the Logistics sub-cluster which handles logistics like transportation and manpower during operations, reported that vehicles from other agencies were ready for delivering supplies. OCD is also the lead for the Early Recovery sub-cluster, as set out in NDRRMC Memorandum No. 80, s. 2022 that outlines the expanded organization and function of the Shelter Cluster at the NDRRMC and RDRRMCs. This role includes assessing Early Recovery needs, setting up ways to provide livelihood and economic opportunities, and gathering resources from both government and non-government sources to support recovery efforts.

Response Cluster Vice-Chairperson Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan welcomed the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) as the new partner agency leading the Shelter sub-cluster. The Vice Chairperson emphasized that DHSUD’s key role include providing financial assistance and other support for the construction of temporary emergency shelters for families whose houses have been damaged by disasters.

During the meeting, other sub-clusters and their leading agencies were outlined as follows: The Health sub-cluster, led by the Department of Health (DOH), is responsible for delivering emergency medical services, managing health facilities, and preventing disease outbreaks, particularly within evacuation centers.

The Emergency Telecommunications sub-cluster, led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), focuses on effective communication and coordination, providing critical telecommunications support to mitigate the impact of the tropical cyclone on affected communities.

The Education sub-cluster, directed by the Department of Education (DepEd), ensures continued access to quality education for all learners affected by the disaster.

Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) is assigned as the Search, Rescue, and Retrieval sub-cluster, tasked with conducting organized and systematic search, rescue, and retrieval operations to minimize loss of life and casualties in disaster-stricken areas.

The Management of the Dead and Missing sub-cluster, headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), manages the challenging task of handling the deceased and missing individuals, working to provide closure for affected families through efficient coordination among national government agencies for the timely identification of human remains.

Additionally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) who lead the Law and Order sub-cluster, ensures public safety and maintains order during the crisis.

The meeting proved to be both productive and essential for evaluating and addressing the needs of the affected population in Region 1, ensuring that significant updates on the situation are communicated effectively. The meeting laid out a plan for early recovery and also underscored that this process, along with the immediate response, will require the collaboration of the Response Cluster member-agencies, beyond just DSWD.

As the response continues, the Department is actively working to meet the needs of the Local Government Units (LGUs) affected areas. As of the latest update, the super typhoon has affected 101,979 families, totaling 376,271 individuals across 1,079 barangays in 93 LGUs within the region.

The super typhoon has also caused significant damages, with reports indicating that 381 houses were affected. Of these, 13 houses are reported as totally damaged and 368 houses as partially damaged. 

In response to these needs, DSWD as the FNFI sub-cluster already provided assistance amounting to PhP27,259,518.17, equivalent to 35,001 Family Food Packs (FFPs), 162 Hygiene Kits, and 158 Sleeping Kits.

The ongoing relief efforts emphasized a powerful spirit of commitment from DSWD and its partner agencies. Working tirelessly as a team, the Response Cluster is committed  to providing immediate relief and support to those affected families and ensuring that aid reaches every corner of the affected region as swiftly and effectively as possible. By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division