The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday said it has deployed mobile kitchens as part of its expanded relief operations nationwide to assist families affected by the twin typhoons, Uwan and Tino.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said freshly cooked and nutritious hot meals were served by the mobile kitchens in the affected areas.

Dumlao explained that these specialized units serve as mobile hubs for food preparation and distribution, ensuring that healthy meals reach displaced families in the hardest-hit regions.

While families continue to receive ready-to-eat food boxes and family food packs, Dumlao said the DSWD recognizes that freshly cooked meals provide greater comfort and strength. She emphasized the importance of mobile kitchens in providing immediate relief to typhoon victims.

“Through our mobile kitchens, the DSWD serves hot meals to affected residents even in hard-to-reach areas. This initiative not only addresses hunger but also gives warmth and reassurance to families who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” Dumlao said.

Dumlao, who also serves as DSWD spokesperson, highlighted the department’s ongoing commitment to improving disaster preparedness and response.

“The DSWD continues to strengthen its capacity to make sure that food and other essential services reach every affected Filipino on time. Preparedness, coordination, and compassion remain at the heart of every relief operation,” the DRMG official pointed out.

As of Wednesday, 12 November, the DSWD has distributed a total of 865,759 family food packs (FFPs) and 23,662 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes to affected provinces in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (CALABARZON), 4B (MIMAROPA), 5 (Bicol), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and 13 (Caraga), as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Dumlao said the delivery of FFPs and RTEF boxes is part of the DSWD’s support to local government units (LGUs) responding to the needs of affected families.

She added that the department has also dispatched water trucks and treatment units to ensure that affected communities have access to clean and safe drinking water. A Mobile Command Center was likewise deployed to provide communication support.

Dumlao stressed that the DSWD remains committed to providing timely assistance and ensuring that no family is left behind during disasters.

This effort, she said, aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to deliver swift and efficient service to all affected Filipinos.