Baguio City, Philippines—On 6 December 2024, The Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) Leo Quintilla introduced the Agency’s newly-launched Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) packs. This initiative marks a significant enhancement to the DSWD’s emergency response capabilities, providing immediate food assistance to families
and individuals affected by disasters, particularly during the first 24 to 48 hours of an emergency.
The RTEF packs, developed in partnership with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Food and Nutrition Research Institute, contain pre-cooked meals specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals in crisis situations. These ready-to-eat meals require no additional preparation, ensuring that affected individuals have access to sustenance without the need for cooking facilities, which are often unavailable during disasters.
Starting 2025, the DSWD will preposition these RTEF packs in seaports and other strategically identified locations across the country. This strategy aims to reduce logistical challenges and ensure that aid reaches affected areas more efficiently, complementing the existing Family Food Packs (FFPs) and other relief items already distributed by the agency.
SAS Quintilla emphasized the importance of equipping DSWD field offices with the tools and resources necessary to respond effectively to emergencies. “The introduction of Ready-to-Eat Food packs is a testament to the agency’s commitment to improving its disaster response mechanisms and addressing the immediate needs of those affected by calamities,” he stated.
SAS Quintilla also conducted a site visit to the DSWD FO CAR Regional Warehouse to monitor the stock levels of FFPs and other essential kits. This visit underscores the agency’s dedication to maintaining operational readiness and ensuring the availability of resources for rapid deployment during disasters.
DSWD FO CAR continues to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to identify vulnerable areas within the Cordillera region. These partnerships ensure that prepositioned supplies, such as RTEF packs, can be dispatched immediately, minimizing delays and addressing the urgent needs of disaster-stricken communities.
“The Ready-to-Eat Food Packs exemplify our commitment to swift and compassionate action, delivering nourishment and hope to disaster-affected families when they need it most,” said DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, Regional Director. Moreover, the field office has been actively participating in capacity-building initiatives, including disaster response training and simulation exercises. These efforts aim to strengthen coordination among response teams, further enhancing the effectiveness of aid distribution during emergencies.
The initiative reflects the agency’s broader mandate of promoting social welfare and protection, particularly for those most in need. Moving forward, DSWD FO CAR will continue to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response strategies, working closely with LGUs, national agencies, and other stakeholders to uphold its commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the Cordillera region. # DSWD-CAR Social Marketing Unit, Novelle G. Ongat, Information Officer II
