DSWD6 prepares for possible impact of TD Basyang

Iloilo City- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD FO VI) has commenced its preparedness measures for the possible impact of Tropical Depression Basyang in Western Visayas.

According to the report issued today, February 4, by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Iloilo Radar Station, Tropical Depression Basyang is forecast to move generally southwestward until tomorrow, February 5, before shifting west-northwestward beginning Friday morning. Based on the projected track, the center of Basyang is expected to make its initial landfall over eastern Mindanao between tomorrow evening and Friday morning.

The weather disturbance is projected to pass over Western Visayas on Friday, February 6, and is likely to weaken into a low-pressure area as it exits into the West Philippine Sea by Monday.

Earlier, a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting was conducted with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI, emphasizing stronger coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) through their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs).

Meanwhile, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) concurred to raise the region’s alert status to Blue to ensure prompt coordination with concerned agencies and offices, effective 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5.

As of February 2, DSWD FO VI has prepositioned 132,635 Family Food Packs (FFPs) in 69 strategic locations across Western Visayas, including its regional warehouse in Oton, Iloilo.

In addition, the agency has 23,419 Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) items positioned in ports in Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique; 14,877 non-food items (NFIs); and a standby fund amounting to ₱3,000,000.00 available for immediate utilization.

In line with the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD FO VI reiterates its commitment to swift and coordinated action to ensure that families affected by Tropical Depression Basyang receive timely and adequate assistance./jam