DSWD6 readies for Severe Tropical Storm Tino

Iloilo City- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD FO VI) has heightened its preparedness measures as Severe Tropical Storm Tino threatens Western Visayas.

Based on the latest weather update from DOST-PAGASA as of November 2, Tino may intensify into a typhoon and is expected to traverse Panay Island by Tuesday, November 4. The highest possible Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) to be raised in the region is Signal No. 4, which could bring heavy to torrential rains by Tuesday. PAGASA also warned of possible gale conditions, storm surges, and coastal flooding in low-lying and coastal municipalities in the coming days.

Following this, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) issued Memorandum No. 85, series of 2025, raising the alert status of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) from Blue to Red Alert effective 8:00 am on November 3, 2025.

In line with this, DSWD Field Office VI, led by the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Director Joselito G. Estember, has also elevated the alert status of its Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Red Alert, effective the same time.

All regional, provincial, city, and municipal Quick Response Teams (QRTs) were activated on November 2 at 5:00 pm and instructed to coordinate with their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) for emergency preparedness, technical assistance on DROMIC reporting, and readiness for immediate response operations.

These efforts will focus on the three response clusters led by DSWD: Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM); Internally Displaced Persons Protection (IDPP); and Food and Non-Food Items (FNFIs).

In consideration of the safety and welfare of all personnel, work at the DSWD Field Office VI regional and satellite offices is suspended on November 3 and 4, 2025. However, personnel engaged in QRT operations and essential services are required to report as necessary.

As of November 2, 7:00 pm, DSWD6 reported 106,755 Family Food Packs (FFPs) prepositioned at its regional warehouse in Oton, Iloilo, and in 55 other strategic locations across the region.

An additional 6,800 FFPs out of the 10,000 requested from the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Cebu have already arrived, while 3,118 Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) items and 16,115 Non-Food Items (NFIs) remain on standby for immediate deployment.

The agency is also processing an additional 144,637 FFPs from VDRC to augment its relief resources in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

These preparedness actions are in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure the swift and efficient delivery of assistance to families who may be affected by the weather disturbance.

The agency also reminds everyone to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and prioritize their safety as Tino approaches./jam