LGU Naga, DSWD strengthen pre-emptive evacuation with food pack distribution system

By Maida Boragay

The local government of Naga has recognized the significant assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the prepositioning of food packs ahead of the Super Typhoon Uwan, which hit the city over the weekend. This move was pivotal in ensuring prompt and efficient disaster response.

A key feature of the city’s preparedness strategy was the strict enforcement of the DSWD policy: only evacuees would receive the food packs. Mayor Robredo highlighted the effectiveness of this rule, noting that it served as a strong incentive for residents to comply with pre-emptive evacuation orders, a practice already established in previous typhoons.

“Very helpful ang DSWD kaya mapasalamat po kita, dahil nakapreposition kita. Nagsunod kita duman sa ruling kan DSWD na ang igwang food packs, itong nag eevacuate,” Mayor Leni Robredo said in a press conference as she extends gratitude to the DSWD.

“So nakatabang ito sa pre-emptive evacuation. Aram na kan tao dahil ginibo ta yan last time, na kun dae sinda mag evacuate, mayo sindang DSWD food packs. So gulpi ang nagsunod tulos,” the mayor added.

Moving forward, the city government will be even stricter in implementing this system. In city-controlled evacuation centers, residents are instructed to take their DSWD food packs with them upon leaving, ensuring the immediate and final distribution of the aid.

Meanwhile, for barangay-controlled evacuation centers, where distribution proved challenging due to scattered centers, the DSWD food packs are scheduled for delivery today.

Robredo has also issued firm instructions to the barangays to avoid long queues after the typhoon. The aid must be delivered directly to the evacuees or made available for pick-up, marking an end to the “days after the typhoon, then queue up” system.

This systematic approach aims to streamline the distribution of relief aid and further instill a culture of pre-emptive evacuation within the city, making disaster response more organized and effective.