Posted on by Nicole Kasandra Lipawen

24 October 2024 | The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) – Ilocos Region ensures readiness to support local government units (LGUs) in addressing the immediate needs of families affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine.”

Earlier today, Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan convened the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council 1 (RDRRMC1) Response Cluster to discuss comprehensive preparedness plans and strategies for disaster response, bracing the team for “Kristine” that is along the coastal waters of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow afternoon. 

Provincial and Local Government Units shared during the meeting that they are capable of supporting affected communities and addressing anticipated needs.

“Each LGUs has ready assets and responders, the RDRRMC1 is prepared to provide support in any eventuality as needed,” pointed out by Office of Civil Defense Region 1 acting Regional Director Carmelita Laverinto.

Currently, DSWD FO 1 has PhP108,395,551.50 worth of food and non-food items (FNFIs) stored in 19 regional and satellite warehouses strategically located across the four (4) provinces in the region. This inventory includes 93,763 family food packs (FFPs), 17,085 non-food items, and 12,230 6-liter bottled drinking water, ensuring that assistance is readily available.

“In the process of augmentation, National Government Agencies do not immediately come in, because we are respecting the plans and actions of the LGUs with regard to disaster response,” shared DSWD FO 1 Regional Director Gopalan.

As the vice-chair of the Disaster Response Cluster and the lead agency for the FNFI sub-cluster, DSWD FO 1 is providing relief support to meet the urgent needs of families affected by ‘Kristine,’ especially those currently in evacuation centers. Today, eight families at the evacuation center in Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, received FFPs.

DSWD FO 1 Vice-chair Regional Director Gopalan outlines directives for disaster operation preparations during the RDRRMC1 response cluster meeting.

Meanwhile, DSWD FO 1 staff continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that help reaches those in need swiftly and effectively. In these critical times, the Angels in Red Vests and RDRRMC 1 Response Cluster member-agencies’ commitment to community resilience and support shines through, reinforcing the message that no one will face the storm alone. (by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division)