The Disaster Management and Response Teams of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its 17 Field Offices (FOs) in the regions are on standby for any event that may arise that would require immediate assistance from the Department during the country’s observance of the Holy Week or ‘Semana Santa.’

“Nakahanda tayo na magbigay ng kagyat na tulong sa ating mga kababayan na maaring dumanas ng krisis sa panahong ito, katulad halimabawa mga travelers na maaring ma-stranded dahil sa hindi inaasahang pangyayari na mangangailangan ng tulong sa pagkain. Ang disaster team ng DSWD, kasama ng ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, ay naka-alerto sa paggunita ng ating mga kababayan sa Mahal na Araw (The DSWD is ready to provide immediate assistance to public who may experience a crisis situation, such as travelers who may get stranded due to an unforeseen event and may need food assistance. The disaster team of the DSWD, together with the different government agencies, is on alert as our fellow citizens observe the Holy Week),” DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said.

Sec. Taguiwalo said that DSWD field offices have their Emergency Operations Centers, Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and Provincial/Municipal Action Teams (P/MATs) ready for activation and deployment to respond to any emergency situation. The FOs have also prepositioned family food packs to respective local government units and are maintaining close coordination with local disaster teams.

The Department has also designated skeletal workforce at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) to ensure its continuous operations.

The welfare chief added that the field offices in areas recently hit by strong earthquakes in Luzon and Mindanao will continuously monitor the situation of affected families and provide additional assistance if needed during the season.

“Hangad ng DSWD ang ligtas na paglalakbay sa mga kababayan nating uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya para makapiling ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ngayong Semana Santa. Makasisiguro kayong nakahanda ang Departamento na mag-abot ng tulong kung kinakailangan (The DSWD hopes for a safe travel of the riding public on their way to their provinces to be with their loved ones to observe the Holy Week. Rest assured that the Department is ready to extend help when needed),” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

Those who may experience a crisis situation may contact the following numbers of the DSWD-Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC):

– Cellular Numbers: Smart – 09989637704; Globe – 09178543994

– Telefax: (02) 355-4017 ###