LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – To further enhance the efficiency of aid delivery across the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol, in partnership with the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Provincial Government of Albay through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), conducted an intensive “Crash Course on Humanitarian Supply Chain Management” on January 30, 2026.

This strategic initiative was developed following a Needs and Gaps Monitoring Assessment, which identified a critical need to strengthen warehouse management knowledge among Local Government Units (LGUs) affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest. By streamlining the movement of essential resources, the training ensures the region is better equipped for both volcanic activity and seasonal weather disturbances.

The comprehensive training program utilized modules specialized and developed by the WFP, Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and DSWD. Facilitated by Resource Persons who are graduates of the HSCM course, the curriculum was structured into four specialized modules: Donations Management, Transport Management, Warehouse Inventory Management, and Distribution Management. These sessions provided participants with the technical expertise required to manage incoming resources, coordinate complex logistics, and maintain precise inventory levels for orderly distribution. Additionally, the VDRC conducted warehouse assessments in Camarines Norte and provided Technical Assistance (TA) on the Wastong Imbentaryo sa Maagap na Serbisyo (WIMS) to ensure local storage facilities meet regional standards for rapid service.

This initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a disaster-ready and resilient nation, a vision being realized by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian through strengthening preparedness and response capacities on the ground.

With Regional Director Norman S. Laurio’s on-the-ground leadership, DSWD Bicol operationalizes these directives by maximizing technical expertise and improving logistics and facility management. This unified approach enhances efficiency and accountability, ensuring that family food packs and other relief items are properly managed and delivered swiftly to affected communities.

“Immediately after Alert Level 2 was raised, we dispatched our teams to coordinate with LGUs and inspect the readiness of evacuation centers. This training and the subsequent warehouse assessments are vital to ensure our partners are fully prepared to manage resources once augmentation is requested,” Regional Director Norman S. Laurio said.