Senator Joel Villanueva led the turnover of 15 mobile kitchens, two mobile water tankers, and two mobile water treatment units to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in a ceremony at the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City on Friday, Feb. 7.

Villanueva says this is part of his commitment to ensuring swift and efficient disaster response, which is crucial to a country that's prone to natural calamities.

The event was attended by key officials, including DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. This highlighted the collaborative effort to enhance the government's disaster response capabilities.

The initiative is part of Villanueva’s advocacy to further improve the capacity of the DSWD in providing essential relief services during calamities and emergencies. 

The newly-deployed mobile kitchens are designed to serve hot meals to at least 500 individuals per meal, and ensure that displaced families inside and outside evacuation centers receive nourishment from pre-emptive evacuation to post-disaster recovery.

“These mobile kitchens and water tankers are crucial in ensuring that disaster-stricken communities receive immediate assistance,” Villanueva said.

“Our goal is to help the DSWD reach more families in need and provide them with hot meals and clean water, which are fundamental during crises,” he added.

The mobile water tankers and treatment units will play a vital role in providing safe and potable water to disaster-affected areas, preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring public health and sanitation.

Through Villanueva’s initiative, the DSWD was able to receive 16 Mobile Command Center Vehicles, 12 Delivery Trucks and 13 Forklifts last year.

Gatchalian expressed gratitude to Senator Villanueva for the continued support, as he emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening disaster response mechanisms.

“With these additional resources, the DSWD can further enhance its relief efforts and reach communities faster and more efficiently,” he said.

The turnover of these assets reinforces the government’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that affected families receive the support they need in times of crisis.