The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with its Field Offices (FOs) in the regions, are on standby as Filipinos observe ‘Undas’ or All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2, respectively, to assist those who may need immediate assistance from the Department.

“Nakahanda ang DSWD na magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan na maaaring may kaharapin na krisis sa kanilang paggunita ng Undas, katulad na lamang ng mga magbabalik-probinsya para dalawin ang kanilang namayapang mahal sa buhay na maaaring ma-stranded sa daan dahil sa mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari (The DSWD is ready to provide assistance to our fellow citizens who may face a crisis as they observe ‘Undas,’ just like those who may get stranded on the road as they travel back to their provinces to visit their departed loved ones),” DSWD Officer-in-Charge Emmanuel Leyco said.

OIC Leyco said that those who may need assistance from the Department may go to the nearest DSWD Field Office which operates the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU) 24/7.

“The disaster response and management teams of our field offices are also on alert to respond to any emergency situation that may arise. Our FOs are also maintaining close coordination with local disaster teams and have also prepositioned goods in different local government units to ensure the immediate provision of assistance when needed,” OIC Leyco added.

The DSWD Central Office, FOs, and National Resource Operations Center (NROC) have stockpiles and standby funds amounting to ₱909,276,837.23, which can readily be used to respond to emergency situations. ###