Posted on by Nicole Kasandra Lipawen

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (FO 1) – Ilocos Region has enhanced its Relief Prepositioning Agreement (RPA) with Local Government Units (LGUs) to speed up assistance during emergencies. Initially established years ago, the RPA is now being reinforced to ensure swift distribution of Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs) to affected communities.

As of this first quarter, two (2) LGUs – Aguilar, Pangasinan, and Badoc, Ilocos Norte have joined the RPA, increasing the total number of active DSWD FO 1 warehouses and prepositioning areas in the Ilocos Region to 19. These include one (1) regional warehouse in City of San Fernando, La Union; two (2) satellite warehouses in Bauang, La Union and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and 16 prepositioning areas with RPAs across the region. These prepositioning areas are located in the following cities and municipalities: Anda, Infanta, Rosales, Alaminos City, Sta. Barbara, and Aguilar in Pangasinan; Vigan City, Tagudin, San Emilio, and Narvacan in Ilocos Sur; and Burgos, Dingras, Batac City, Adams, Pagudpud, and Badoc in Ilocos Norte.

These warehouses will not only cater to the LGUs that have signed the RPA, but also in extending augmentation to nearby cities and municipalities that may request FNFIs. This collaboration will help ensure faster disaster response, as relief goods can be quickly mobilized from nearby warehouses and prepositioning areas. While DSWD FO 1 remains as the approval authority, the proximity of these warehouses and prepositioning areas allows for much faster response times and reduces logistical delays, ensuring timely delivery of support to those in need.

DSWD FO 1 signs RPA with LGU Aguilar, Pangasinan (first photo) and LGU Badoc, Ilocos Norte (second and third photos).

The RPA is an activity of the Department that demonstrates commitment to disaster preparedness and community resilience. By working closely with the LGUs and strengthening the region’s logistical capacity, DSWD aims to ensure that help arrives quickly when it is most needed. To date, a total of 6,337 FNFIs, including 3,621 Family Food Packs, 95 Non-Food Items, and 2,621 6L bottled drinking water, have been distributed to families affected by the Northeast Monsoon, fire incidents, and other emergencies across the Region. (by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II)