QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The four typhoons that recently hit the country showed the whole-of-government approach in action, said Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
He particularly noted and commended the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) led by Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for the funding support which, he said, enabled the DSWD to buy the raw materials for the family food packs (FFPs) as well as non-food items (NFIs) that include family kits, hygiene kits and sleeping kits.
“We thank the DBM for the funding support which the DSWD uses to buy goods and also spend for the transport and mobilization of FFPs and NFI’s from the major production hubs to the spokes or regional warehouses and down to the last mile warehouses,” Gatchalian said.
The DBM is also set to release additional Quick Response Fund (QRF) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) which are part of the DSWD’s recovery efforts to provide cash aid to typhoon-affected families, he added.
The DSWD chief likewise thanked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program which, he said, have provided volunteers for the production of FFPs in the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City.
Gatchalian also highlighted the vital role of the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Navy which enabled the timely and efficient transport of FFPs and other needed relief goods to the affected areas using both air and naval assets.
“So, we are now ready for recovery efforts for the provinces affected by Kristine and Marce while we are conducting relief operation all at the same time because President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is using all-of-government approach to support us,” Secretary Gatchalian emphasized. (PIA DMD)
