REGIONAL offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are on high alert in anticipation of the effects of Tropical Depression Dodong, which made landfall early on Friday morning in Dinapigue, Isabela province.
All regional directors were instructed by DSWD Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian to be “extra ready” to assist families and individuals who may be affected by possible floods and landslides because of the intensified southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” spawned by Dodong.
“All DSWD regional offices should immediately activate their respective DRMD QRT (Disaster Response and Management Division-Quick Reaction Teams) and closely coordinate with their local DRRMCs (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council),” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian also instructed the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG), led by Undersecretary Dianne Cajipe, to ensure that family food packs (FFPs) and other kinds of emergency assistance be available for quick delivery to regional offices in need of stockpile refilling.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather bulletin, Typhoon Signal No. 1 is in effect in the provinces of 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).
