The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated P3 billion in standby funds to support local government units (LGUs) and communities affected by disasters this year.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the funds are readily available and will be used to respond to requests from calamity-hit LGUs.

“Ito po ay magagamit natin para tutugon sa mga request ng iba't-ibang LGUs na naapektuhan (This will be used to respond to the different requests of calamity-affected LGUs),” Dumlao said in a DZBB radio interview on Sunday, July 6.

In addition to the standby funds, the agency has also prepositioned more than three million family food packs in DSWD warehouses, as well as in LGU and partner organization storage facilities nationwide.

In a separate interview with DZMM, Dumlao stressed that the DSWD maintains a non-selective approach to aid distribution, ensuring that all affected families, regardless of their location, receive assistance.

“Hindi lamang po sa evacuation centers. In fact, dinadala rin po natin doon sa mga displaced populations but are outside evacuation centers kasi may mga naninirahan pa rin or nanunuluyan pa rin po sa kanilang mga tahanan o doon sa mga tahanan ng kanilang mga kaibigan o kaanak (Not only in evacuation centers. In fact, we also deliver assistance to displaced populations outside evacuation centers, those who are still in their homes or staying with relatives or friends),” she added.

“DSWD monitors in coordination with the local government units, all disaster-affected populations para po mabahaginan po ng tulong (to ensure that aid is distributed),” she said.

As part of its ongoing disaster preparedness efforts, the DSWD is implementing the “Buong Bansa Handa” (BBH) program, an initiative launched in line with President Marcos’ directive to ensure the safety and well-being of communities frequently affected by disasters.

To strengthen its response capabilities, the BBH program operates through two complementary supply chain systems. 

One is led by the government and focuses on enhancing the capacity and operations of the DSWD’s central and regional facilities, including the National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City, the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Cebu, and storage hubs located in field offices nationwide.

The other is driven by partnerships with the private sector. 

The DSWD has entered into agreements with supermarkets, grocery chains, manufacturers, and distributors to leverage their logistical expertise and resources, allowing for a more agile and efficient delivery of aid to affected communities.

Dumlao noted that food packs and relief goods are strategically placed throughout the country to ensure immediate access during emergencies.