The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed millions of relief supplies on standby as a tropical storm approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), assuring that resources are ready for immediate deployment to affected areas.
As of Saturday, June 20, 6AM, the agency reported a stockpile of 4.7 million family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned across DSWD field offices and warehouses nationwide. These are supported by P4.416 billion in standby funds and additional food and non-food supplies for rapid augmentation during disasters.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and Disaster Response Management Group spokesperson Irene Dumlao said preparedness protocols have already been activated, with coordination ongoing with local government units and partner agencies.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the tropical cyclone is expected to enter PAR between Saturday evening and Sunday morning and will be named “Francisco.” While landfall is currently considered unlikely, the system may intensify into a typhoon by Sunday, prompting continued monitoring advisories for affected regions.
DSWD said its emergency operations remain on alert not only for the approaching weather disturbance but also for ongoing response efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Sarangani and nearby areas in Mindanao.
The agency reported that it has already extended P318.646 million in assistance to earthquake-affected families, including family food packs, non-food items, financial aid, and emergency shelter support.
Dumlao emphasized that the agency’s resources are fully ready for rapid mobilization before, during, and after disasters, in line with government directives for continuous disaster preparedness and response.
Officials reiterated that the public should remain alert and rely on official advisories as weather conditions develop.