Even before Typhoon Tino entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had already prepositioned more than 2.1 million family food packs (FFPs) nationwide under its Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) program.

According to Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), preparations began last week, with supplies strategically distributed in regional, provincial, and municipal warehouses in areas expected to be affected by the typhoon.

“Since last week, we have been monitoring this weather phenomenon and are regularly coordinating with PAGASA to understand the forecast track of Typhoon Tino,” said Dumlao, who also serves as DSWD spokesperson.

As of Tuesday, the DSWD reported 128,000 food packs ready in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas), 89,000 in Region 6 (Western Visayas), and 81,000 in the Caraga region.

“That’s the value of prepositioning. Anytime, handa tayo kasi sabi nga ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. dapat tiyakin natin yung kapanatagan ng kalooban ng ating mga kababayan at matiyak na wala pong kababayang Pilipino ang magugutom sa gitna ng kalamidad,” Dumlao said.

She assured the public that the department maintains an efficient replenishment mechanism, citing the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu, which produces 18,000 to 20,000 food packs daily.

Meanwhile, PAGASA has placed several areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 and warned of storm surges exceeding three meters in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) has also been placed on red alert to strengthen coordination and response efforts.

Dumlao reminded the public to remain vigilant and follow government advisories.

“Ang lagi po nating paalala sa ating mga kababayan, makinig po tayo sa abiso ng ating officials para po matiyak yung ating kaligtasan at malayo po tayo sa anumang kapahamakan,” she said.

Despite multiple ongoing emergencies nationwide, Dumlao emphasized that the DSWD continues to provide aid to all affected families, including those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.