Virac, Catanduanes – In time with ongoing disaster response operations for Super Typhoon Pepito, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office V – Bicol Region conducted its annual Media Forum on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

The forum provided a platform for the agency to discuss its disaster response operations in Catanduanes in greater depth and detail.

Regional Director Norman S. Laurio emphasized the importance of proactive measures, such as prepositioning food and non-food items in disaster-prone areas. This strategy ensures swift delivery of relief assistance to affected communities during emergencies.

“By strategically prepositioning family food packs in vulnerable areas like Catanduanes, the agency is promptly able to provide support to families during typhoons and other disasters,” stated Director Laurio.

As of November 20, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., a total of 3,284 Family Food Packs (FFPs) and 897 non-food items (NFIs) had been prepositioned in Catanduanes.

Director Laurio also highlighted the Department’s ongoing coordination with LGUs to optimize resources and ensure effective distribution of assistance to the areas hardest hit by the typhoon.

To date, the DSWD has assisted 98,277 families affected by Super Typhoon Pepito across the region. This includes the distribution of 96,247 FFPs and 580 NFIs.

In Catanduanes alone, 36,600 families have received aid comprising 36,200 FFPs and 250 NFIs, amounting to PHP 28.41 million. Additionally, under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, 411 beneficiaries in Catanduanes were provided assistance totaling PHP 2.06 million.

The Media Forum engages media partners in each province to provide updates on the Department’s programs and accomplishments, strengthen partnerships, and address issues related to disaster response and social welfare services. The forum underscores DSWD’s commitment to empowering the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged.