Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) – With the rainy season down the line, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here assures the public of its readiness to augment to disaster needs if necessary.

DSWD-CAR OIC Regional Director Janet P. Armas said that the Department is maintaining a total of 41,797 family food packs distributed in all provinces in the region.

“We have already prepositioned these family food packs to our provincial offices. These will only augment the resources of the local government units and can only be distributed once their supplies become exhausted”, Director Armas shared.

A total of 8,600 family packs are prepositioned in Abra Province, 5,200 in Apayao, 10,200 in Kalinga, 6,600 in Mountain Province, 5,000 in Ifugao and 6,197 for Benguet Province and Baguio City.

“Our partner local government units need to request augmentation for us to release family food packs to our communities. Our Social Welfare and Development Team offices are ready to facilitate such requests,” Director Armas added.

The total cost of the family food packs available in the region is Php 13,674,567.62. The Regional Office also maintains non-food items that are considered as relief commodities worth Php 3,242,717.76. These items include blankets, clothing, and donated items other than food.

The Department is also maintaining the amount of Php 3 Million which can be used for Disaster Augmentation Assistance.

“As we, in the government, prepare for the upcoming rainy and disaster season, we would also like to enjoin the public to be prepared. There is nothing wrong in preparing especially if the safety and the needs of our families are at stake”, Director Armas said.

For disaster related concerns or queries, you can reach the DSWD-CAR Disaster Management Unit  at DSWD-CAR Training Center, Cabinet Hill, Baguio City or call (6374)-442-39-46.# DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva with Marjelyn Taberdo (GIP)