QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated its commitment to enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) efforts, stressing the importance of immediate and effective responses to calamities.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, spokesperson for agency and its Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), outlined key initiatives such as the “Buong Bansa Handa” (BBH) program, which enables the agency to quickly address the needs of families affected by disasters.
The BBH program utilizes two supply chain mechanisms: a government-driven system and partnerships with private sector retailers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure efficient disaster preparedness and response.
“We also have a Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC), Mobile Command Centers (MCCs), and mobile kitchens—all part of the DSWD’s innovations in collaboration with other government agencies to improve disaster response,” Dumlao said.
In addition to disaster response efforts, the DSWD is expanding its social protection programs.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) now includes the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) grant, which supports the health and nutrition needs of pregnant women and young children.
This initiative provides a Php 350 monthly health grant to pregnant beneficiaries and households with children aged 0-2 years.
To combat involuntary hunger and reduce food waste, the agency has launched the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which transforms donated surplus food into hot meals for the needy.
Moreover, the DSWD is addressing food insecurity and water scarcity through initiatives like Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), aimed at sustaining agricultural productivity and managing water resources in vulnerable communities. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(PIA file photo)
