Almost 24 hours open, the continuous disaster response for super typhoon Yolanda’s victims being done by DSWD in Bicol focuses on relief operations which started late Sunday evening (November 10, 2013) at Albay Astrodome.

DSWD has deployed more than 50 of its employees in three shifting schedules: 8AM-5PM; 5PM-1AM and 1AM-8AM, for round-the-clock work.

On a daily basis, operations normally starts at around five in the morning. The DSWD staffs on duty evaluate and assess the completed tasks such as recording the number of aid packs completed for shipping, cluster family food packs with incomplete contents which will be filled in as soon as deliveries come, organize goods and coordinate with the regional office to get the schedule of the incoming goods’ arrival.

They also cleanup the center by removing clutters from the previous day. They clear the area from cartons, plastics, sacks for recycling and dispose unwanted items and trash.

Upon delivery, a designated DSWD staff inspects the goods to ensure the correct quantity and specifications and that the deliveries are in good condition. After which, supplies are stowed in the center for repacking.

Volunteers are being mobilized for the repacking of the relief goods in collaboration with the local government of Albay. Volunteers Registry Desk is informed about the schedule at the center and how many people are needed for the day.

Repacking usually starts in the afternoon and progresses until evening. Before repacking begins, DSWD conducts a quick yet thorough orientation for the incoming volunteers sent by the local government of Albay. They are informed of the current situation in Region 8. A DSWD staff explains the purpose of the activity and enumerates the tasks to be done.

Thereafter, these volunteers from different sectors are now instructed to sort the goods according to the standard contents of a DSWD Family Food Pack. The pack includes three (3) kilos of rice, four (4) tins of sardines, two (2) tins of corned beef, one (1) tin of Vienna sausage and 10 pieces of coffee.

Aside from that, an emergency food pack was also produced for the victims of Yolanda. It is inclusive of one (1) pack of biscuits, one (1) pack of assorted cupcakes, two (2) bottles of mineral water, three (3) pieces of cookies, one (1) pack of candles and one (1) piece of lighter.

During the actual repacking, DSWD employees rove around the multitude of volunteers to safeguard the goods being bundled. Later on, eight (8) DSWD Family Food Packs are placed inside a sack and are sealed properly which becomes available for shipping to Region 8.

The DSWD Information Desk monitors and records all activities in the repacking center including the information on the quantity of Family Food Packs and how many were dispatched. DSWD makes certain that all necessary documents are complied before releasing the relief goods.

In transit to Region 8, escorts from the department join the trucks of goods to ensure that it will reach the victims of super typhoon Yolanda. In total, 35 DSWD Field Staff (as of November 14, 2013) sent to Region 8 for rapid assessment, humanitarian mission, receiving and releasing of relief goods.

On the other hand, the steadfast support and aid from various groups such as the local officials, volunteers and other organizations hasten the process of relief operations at Albay Astrodome.

Jan Michael Ribaya of Daraga, Albay is one of those volunteers who consistently assist in the repacking of goods. It was his second night last November 13, 2013 at the repacking center and has spent a total of eight (8) hours of volunteer work.

“I grew up in a family who fostered the value of helping others and by simply spending my spare time in the repacking center, I know it will speed up the whole process of getting the relief goods to our brothers and sisters in Tacloban City,” he said.

The members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also joined DSWD’s 24-hour duty in sorting, packing, handling and hauling of goods in the center.

A community kitchen based in DSWD Field Office caters to the provision of meals to the uniformed men and other DSWD staff on duty.

The repacking center here in Bicol which is located in Legazpi City is one of those repacking zones set up by DSWD nationwide. Centers are also operating in Cebu City and Butuan City and more is expected to open up in the coming days for faster relief operations.

The DSWD Response aims to address the basic subsistence needs of super typhoon Yolanda’s victims in Samar and Leyte with the support of Office of Civil Defense and the Provincial Government of Albay. It is now on its fourth day and is expected to continue.