SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 1 is ramping up efforts to respond to the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in La Union, emphasizing preparedness and rapid deployment of resources.
The agency has ensured that more than 57,000 family food packs are readily available for distribution from its two satellite warehouses in La Union.
These supplies are designated for quick augmentation in areas expected to be most affected by the typhoon.
“We’re mostly coordinating with the LGU (local government unit). Based on the news, we’re checking with the MSWDO (municipal social welfare and development office) to see if they need extra support. For now, since there’s no request for more help, we’ll wait until the LGU tells us they need more food packs for the affected population,” DSWD Region 1 Director Marie Angela Gopalan said in a press conference on Oct. 23.
In addition to material support, the agency has activated its incident management team to coordinate response efforts and streamline communication between LGUs, ensuring efficient disaster response.
The DSWD’s actions reflect its commitment to safeguard the welfare of residents, particularly the most vulnerable populations, during and after the typhoon.
As of Oct. 23, the local government unit of Bangar in La Union has reported the preemptive evacuation of 277 families, comprising 617 individuals who all reside from the island barangay of Mindoro.
This evacuation was conducted as a safety precaution to mitigate risks from flooding, landslides, or other dangers associated with the typhoon.
The evacuated families have been temporarily housed in designated evacuation centers where essential services, including food and water, are being provided.
In addition to Bangar, other municipalities in La Union are on high alert, with local authorities and community volunteers closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of La Union has prepositioned 1,118 food packs, each containing six kilos of rice, eight canned goods, and six sachets of 3-in-1 coffee.
Additionally, 1,058 non-food items are on standby which are intended for augmentation.
“One behalf of the provincial government, we are committed to helping our communities during this time. We have worked with local governments to prepare for relief operations, ensuring that food, water, and other essentials are ready. Our teams are on standby to support evacuees and make sure they have what they need during this difficult period,” said Rowan Joshua Dimaculangan, La Union provincial information officer.
The DSWD is also working with other agencies to assess possible damages and disruptions to public services, infrastructure, and transportation routes in the wake of the typhoon.
Resource stockpiling continues to be a priority, and the agency has assured that additional food and non-food items, such as hygiene kits, blankets, and other necessities, are available if the situation escalates.
Furthermore, teams are prepared to respond to medical emergencies and provide psychological first aid to those in distress.
The DSWD’s ongoing efforts aim to mitigate the impact of STS Kristine and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents in La Union and the surrounding areas. (MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
