DSWD releases early cash aid to 4Ps families ahead of #UwanPH

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Sunday stated that 25,019 active Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Region 2 – Cagayan Valley received P4,000 as early financial assistance to help them prepare for the anticipated onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The financial assistance was given under the Anticipatory Action (AA) program of the DSWD together with the World Food Programme (WFP).

According to Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the aid was released on Friday, 7 November, to 4Ps beneficiaries in several municipalities of Cagayan and Isabela — three days before the expected landfall of Uwan.

“The goal of anticipatory action is to help families prepare even before a typhoon hits. Here, we want aid to arrive first so that they can already buy food, medicine, and secure their houses,” Asec. Dumlao said in Filipino on Sunday.

Asst. Sec. Dumlao noted that the AA program forms part of the DSWD and WFP partnership to build disaster resilience and enhance preparedness among low-income families nationwide. The assistance was directly credited to the beneficiaries’ Landbank cash cards.

According to Dumlao, the financial aid is triggered once forecast-based indicators such as wind strength, rainfall volume, and likelihood of floods or landslides are met, as determined by PAGASA and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC).

Prior to the release, DSWD Field Office II conducted sensitization activities to explain the program and guide beneficiaries on the appropriate use of the financial aid.

“This program is not just mere aid. It is assistance that provides families with the capacity to be prepared, and they no longer have to wait for a disaster before receiving help,” she added.

Dumlao also assured the public that aside from the AA program, the Department has intensified preparations ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan.

Based on the latest Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) report, the DSWD has more than P2.31 billion worth of standby funds and stockpiles ready for disaster response operations.

This includes nearly two million family food packs prepositioned nationwide for rapid deployment. Ready-to-eat food boxes have also been distributed as part of early response efforts.

“Our coordination with the local governments and other agencies continues to ensure that we are prepared in any part of the country. What's important is that families have food immediately and feel assistance when it is needed,” Asec. Dumlao said.