LEGAZPI CITY – In anticipation of Typhoon Pepito, also known internationally as Man-yi, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has amassed a P150 million stockpile of relief goods. This preparation includes 68,354 family food packs and 55,072 non-food items, strategically placed in warehouses across the region’s six provinces, as confirmed by DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio on Friday.
Laurio emphasized that these resources are earmarked for emergency response and to bolster the efforts of local government units. Additionally, a P3 million standby fund is available for immediate use if necessary. Each family food pack, designed to sustain a family of five for two days, contains essentials like six kilos of rice, canned goods, coffee, and cereals. The non-food items consist of family, sleeping, hygiene, and kitchen kits.
To enhance community readiness, DSWD-Bicol is actively coordinating with local governments and response teams. All DSWD staff in the region are on standby, ready for deployment. A recent reorientation and briefing session was held for the Quick Response Teams to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles during the typhoon. The agency also has trucks and generator sets ready for use.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate as Typhoon Pepito approaches.