DSWD Eastern Visayas activates its Quick Response Team (QRT) as part of its preparedness measures for severe tropical storm Odette. Regional Director Grace Subong called an emergency disaster preparedness meeting wherein these teams were identified and are now in place and ready to manage the following committees: Data Management, Welfare, Internally Displaced Person, and Logistics.

The QRT is composed of several DSWD staff who will render 24/7 duty at the agency’s Emergency Operations Center. Its function is to constantly monitor the progress of the storm and to coordinate with the field staff and the Local Government Units for information and data gathering. Aside from the QRT, all DSWD staff are on alert mode and are ready to render duty as the need for augmentation and deployment arises.

Based on the latest report from PAGASA, Severe Tropical Storm Odette entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday night and is estimated at 735 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is currently moving west-northwest at 25 kmph. Due to this, all provinces in Region VIII have been placed under Signal No. 1.

Meanwhile, DSWD continues its operations despite the incoming storm. A skeletal workforce ensures that the agency’s frontline services are not disrupted. Also, production of Family Food Packs continues. As of 9:00AM, December 15, the agency has 21,987 total FFPs stockpiled in various strategic locations across the Region. These FFPs are available to LGUs who will request for augmentation.

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