NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has proactively prepositioned disaster relief supplies in Biliran province to augment the needs of local government units in preparation for potential emergencies. 

A total of 5,850 food packs valued at a P4,581,374.56 have been readied in locations such as the Provincial Evacuation Center in Brgy. Larrazabal in Naval as well as in the towns of Caibiran, Kawayan, and Maripipi.

The department has also prepared various non-food items such as hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, and sleeping kits, all of which are stored at the Provincial Evacuation Center and in the municipalities of Kawayan and Caibiran.

Virdyl Benito, Project Development Officer II and focal person for the Disaster Response and Management Division (DRMD) of DSWD Biliran Sub-Field Office during the 3rd DSWD Information Caravan and PIA Kapihan held on September 6, emphasized that the DSWD is prepared to offer support to local government units in Biliran in the event of disasters. This includes frequent occurrences like floods, which the province is vulnerable to due to its susceptibility to typhoons.

He reported that DSWD has also carried out tree planting activities through a food-for-work initiative in collaboration with the provincial government of Biliran, led by Governor Gerard Roger M. Espina, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development and the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office in various towns, including Caibiran, Naval, Kawayan, Cabucgayan, and Biliran.

The DSWD is also coordinating with the towns of Almeria, Culaba, Biliran, and Cabucgayan for potential prepositioning of food and non-food items, especially in areas where the DSWD has not yet executed a memorandum of agreement.

This initiative is in response to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a whole-of-nation approach to disaster preparedness and response.

Previously, the President issued Executive Order No. 24 constituting the Disaster Response and Crisis Management Task Force to ensure a unified command in government efforts in confronting challenges brought about by natural disasters through evidence- and science-based approach to crisis management.

The task force’s functions include collaboration among relevant government agencies and local governments to ensure an integrated approach to disaster preparedness and response and deliver accessible assistance programs to affected communities. (MMP/RSV/PIA Biliran)