In anticipation of the impacts of Tropical Depression Dodong, which made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela province early on Friday morning, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has put its regional offices on high alert.
Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian has instructed all regional directors to be fully prepared to assist families and individuals who may be affected by potential floods and landslides caused by the intensified southwest monsoon, also known as “habagat,” brought about by Tropical Depression Dodong.
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized the immediate activation of their respective Disaster Response and Management Division-Quick Reaction Teams (DRMD QRT) by all DSWD regional offices. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of close coordination with their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs).
Secretary Gatchalian has also directed the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG), under the leadership of Undersecretary Dianne Cajipe, to ensure the availability of family food packs (FFPs) and other forms of emergency assistance for prompt delivery to regional offices that require stockpile replenishment.
As per the weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Signal No. 1 is currently in effect in several provinces, including Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya (Region 2-Cagayan Valley); Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet (Cordillera Administrative Region); Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northern portion of Pangasinan (Region 1-Ilocos Region); and the northern and central portions of Aurora—Maria Aurora, San Luis, Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag (Region 3-Central Luzon).
Photo by Benjamin Cuaresma
