In response to the challenges posed by the Southwest Monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm “Enteng”, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) is closely working with the Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure the protection and well-being of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) now staying at the evacuation centers.

Recent reports from the LGUs indicate that 5,022 families have been affected by the latest weather disturbances. Of these, 25 families or 97 individuals are temporarily sheltered at six evacuation centers (Vigan City, Ilocos Sur – four and Balungao, Pangasinan – two) across the region.

As the number of families seeking shelter continues to rise, DSWD FO 1 headed by Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan through its Provincial Operations and Satellite Offices, is intensifying its coordination with the LGUs to monitor the evacuation centers and IDPs’ essential needs, including shelter and food.

As the lead agency for Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) and IDP Protection, DSWD FO 1 is committed in providing timely and well-coordinated humanitarian assistance and augmentation support to management of evacuation centers of the LGUs. This effort prioritizes vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disability, persons with special needs, and elderly during disasters and emergencies, in accordance with Joint Memorandum Circular 2, series of 2021 or the Guidelines on CCCM and IDP Protection.

These collaborative efforts of the DSWD FO1 and LGUs are crucial in delivering timely assistance and ensuring the safety and comfort of those affected. (by: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Information Officer II – Disaster Response Management Division)