The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1) continues to lead disaster response and early recovery efforts following the devastation brought by Typhoon Emong. Despite sustaining impacts themselves, the “Angels in Red Vests” remain steadfast in providing immediate relief and protection services to affected communities.
As Vice Chair for Response and Early Recovery of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 (RDRRMC 1), and as the primary agency for delivering social protection programs, the agency ensures that internally displaced persons (IDPs) receive appropriate assistance through Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM).
As of the latest Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) report, over 1.6 million individuals, or 467,113 families, have been affected by the typhoon across Region 1. The provinces of Pangasinan and La Union were the most affected by the typhoon, with Pangasinan alone accounting for over 1.4 million individuals or 383,484 families, while La Union reported 190,164 individuals or 65,617 families affected.
“Even though some of our own personnel were affected by the typhoon, we remain committed to our mission. We are here to serve the people and ensure that no one is left behind during this time of disaster” said Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan.
In coordination with local government units (LGUs), the agency has already released a total of 143,591 food and non-food items, amounting to PhP98,671,606.10, to meet the urgent needs of displaced families. Relief items include family food packs, ready-to-eat food, and hygiene kits to support IDPs staying in evacuation centers or with relatives.
DSWD FO 1 continues to work closely with provincial and municipal LGUs, ensuring that assistance is distributed equitably and that all affected areas, including remote barangays, are reached in a timely manner. Meanwhile, Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) are ongoing, with the DSWD coordinating early recovery interventions, including psychosocial support.
Typhoon Emong, which made landfall last week, brought severe rains and strong winds that triggered flooding across the Ilocos Region. As recovery operations continue, the agency calls on the public for continued cooperation and vigilance, especially as the country remains in the middle of the rainy season.
DSWD FO 1 assures the public that additional resources remain prepositioned in warehouses and ready for deployment should further emergencies arise. (by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II)