The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed appreciation for the positive feedback from the public, as revealed by a recent Pulse Asia survey. The survey showed that 57% of Filipinos approve of the Marcos administration’s disaster response efforts. Irene Dumlao, Assistant Secretary for the Disaster Response Management Group, credited this approval to the effective collaboration between local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) during calamities.
Dumlao emphasized that the DSWD views this public approval as motivation to enhance their services further. The DSWD holds a significant role in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, leading multiple clusters including Disaster Response and Early Recovery, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, and the Food and Non-Food Item Cluster. This multi-faceted responsibility requires the DSWD to maintain high standards in humanitarian response coordination.
The survey, conducted from November 26 to December 3, involved face-to-face interviews with 2,400 participants aged 18 and above. Dumlao highlighted the effectiveness of the Buong Bansa Handa initiative, which has improved the DSWD’s ability to respond to disasters, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.
The DSWD’s proactive measures, such as prepositioning and replenishing relief supplies, were crucial in addressing the needs of communities affected by a series of tropical cyclones including Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito. Despite the widespread impact of these storms, a comprehensive ‘whole-of-nation’ approach facilitated aid delivery through various means.
Looking forward, the DSWD plans to strengthen its partnerships with LGUs, other NGAs, and development partners to bolster the country’s disaster management capabilities. The agency is also focused on expanding its infrastructure, with nearly 1,000 operational warehouses and storage facilities, and plans to establish more, especially in disaster-prone and geographically isolated areas.