In the light of the massive destruction brought by tropical cyclone Tisoy in the Samar provinces last Dec. 3 and 4 of this year,
DSWD Field Office VIII Director Marie Angela Gopalan calls for collective action to local government units, government and non-government organizations, private individuals and groups to lend a hand in providing quick response to the victims.
She also emphasized that affected individuals should also help themselves by considering themselves as co-partners in the recovery efforts. “Community participation is a key factor, “ adding that they should not settle themselves being victims, but survivors who have developed resiliency, after all what supertyphoon Yolanda have taught to the people of Eastern Visayas region.
“The citizenry has a vital role as community participation contributes a lot in facilitating provision of immediate aid to those affected. Let the bayanihan spirit shine through,” Director Gopalan further said.
Director Gopalan pointed out that disaster response is a shared responsibility and clarified the respective roles between that of DSWD and other national agencies with that of local government units, so people will know which entity is responsible and accountable.
She reiterated that local government units are the first responders whether natural or man-made calamities, as defined by the Local Government Code of 1991. Director Gopalan said DSWD extends augmentation support and provides technical assistance by capacitating local government units to manage a disaster.
However, Director Gopalan stressed that though augmentation is given upon requests of affected LGUs and the assessment of DSWD’s social workers, the agency prepositions relief goods in a strategic location where disaster strikes.
In the case of Tisoy, DSWD prepositioned 1,000 family food packs (FFPs) at a temporary hub located at the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman of Northern Samar, Nena Getalado, the Social Welfare Action and Development Team Leader of the DSWD in same province disclosed.
There were also a total of FFPs packs positioned in Eastern Samar.
On December 4, DSWD staff transported 619 family food packs to Mapanas in Northern Samar which was identified as one of the heavily affected areas due to its location as a catch basin.
As of to date, DSWD has already distributed for the island municipality of Biri in Northern Samar 40 rolls of tarpaulins and 500 FFPs, 60 rolls tarpaulins, 500 malong, and 500 FFPs to Capul (also an island town of same province), 193 rolls tarpaulins for Catarman, 45 rolls tarpaulines, 1,00 malong, and 200 sleeping kits for Lavezares.
For Allen, ready for pick-up today at the DSWD RROC in Tacloban are 669 rolls tarpaulins and 1,500 FFPs #