Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public on Monday (May 29) there are sufficient relief goods that were strategically prepositioned in different areas in the country in preparation for Typhoon Betty.

In an interview with Karen Davila of ANC’s Headstart earlier this morning, Secretary Gatchalian said the DSWD has prepositioned more than 800,000 family food packs (FFPs) in various warehouses nationwide that can be immediately tapped by local government units (LGUs) for distribution to affected citizens.

“[The goods] are prepositioned so that when the local government units called us for help, meaning, hindi na nila kaya because they are the first responders, national support will be there,” Secretary Gatchalian told ANC.

From the total number, more than 80,000 FFPs were prepositioned in Cagayan Valley Region; almost 50,000 FFPs in Ilocos Region, and more than 40,000 FFPs in Central Luzon. The three regions are likely to bear the brunt of Typhoon Betty.

“We prepositioned goods, not just because of the typhoon, but all year-long. That is what we have been doing,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

Aside from relief goods, the Department is also continuously repacking FFPs in its disaster hubs and regional warehouses.

Members of DSWD Quick Response Teams are also on standby for on-the-ground monitoring of updates and coordination with LGUs.

The DSWD also reminded citizens to remain alert and heed the warnings of their local authorities to prevent any untoward incidents. #