DSWD allots over P184-M in food, non-food packs for ‘Tino’

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- As local government units in Bicol brace for Severe Tropical Storm Tino, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allotted P184,090,500.75 worth of food and non-food items to assist families that may be affected by the weather disturbance.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio said the department has prepared a total of 212,320 Family Food Packs (FFPs) and 20,353 Non-Food Items (NFIs), valued at P184,090,500.75, as part of its prepositioned supplies for the region.

In addition to the food and non-food supplies, the DSWD has also set aside P3 million in standby funds for immediate emergency needs.

“These resources are strategically positioned to support local government units in the event of evacuations, displacement, or other emergencies resulting from Severe Tropical Storm Tino,” Laurio said.

As Tino intensified and threatened to develop into a super typhoon, DSWD Field Office V – Bicol Region mobilized its resources to ensure swift delivery of aid to affected families.

Laurio said he is closely coordinating with provincial, city, and municipal disaster response teams to anticipate potential needs and ensure timely delivery of assistance.

“These preparedness measures align with the directives of DSWD Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing the importance of being fully equipped to address the impacts of the storm,” Laurio added.

Following the storm’s approach, the Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol suspended sea travel in Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon as these provinces were placed under Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1.

The suspension left at least 1,632 passengers stranded in various Bicol seaports, while 424 rolling cargoes, three vessels, and 38 motor boats were temporarily grounded due to the weather disturbance.

In Albay, Governor Noel E. Rosal suspended classes on Monday and issued advisories on no sailing and evacuation preparedness.

He directed cities, municipalities, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (BDRRMCs) to prepare for possible evacuations of communities threatened by lahar flow, flooding, and landslides.

“All cities, municipalities, and BDRRMCs are advised to be in preparedness and monitoring status, particularly those exposed to flood, lahar, flash flood, and landslide hazards, and to undertake localized evacuations when necessary,” Rosal said in his advisory.

In Sorsogon, Governor Boboy Hamor issued an executive order suspending classes in all levels across the province upon the recommendation of the SPDRRMC.

“This pre-emptive measure aims to ensure the safety of all Sorsoganons amid the expected effects of Severe Tropical Storm Tino. Everyone is advised to stay safe and remain alert for further updates,” Hamor said.

In Masbate, Governor Richard Kho likewise suspended classes in all levels in both public and private schools due to the approaching storm.

The suspension, which runs until November 4, was contained in Executive Order No. 30, issued Monday to safeguard the welfare of Masbateños. He also ordered the suspension of government work starting 1:00 p.m. until November 4, except for personnel involved in public health and disaster response.

“I directed all LGUs and concerned government agencies to enforce pre-emptive and forced evacuations in low-lying areas to avoid possible eventualities. I ask everyone to cooperate and stay alert. Listen to the official advisories of the PDRRMO, LGUs, and other concerned offices. Everyone's safety is our primary goal,” Kho said.

Passenger and cargo vessels take refuge in Sula Channel, Cagraray Island, Bacacay town, as Albay province is placed under Signal Warning No. 1 due to Severe Tropical Storm Tino.