The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has transitioned to “Blue Alert” status as it monitors the track of Tropical Depression (TD) Ada, the first tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) explained that a blue alert is the second stage of alert for an approaching storm, during which emergency preparations are executed according to established plans.
“Ang buong DSWD, kabilang ang aming mga Field Offices (FO), ay patuloy na naghahanda at nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan na madadaanan ni Bagyong Ada. Naka-prepositioned na ang higit 2.7 million na family food packs (FFPs) sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng ating bansa para masiguro na agad na maiihahatid ang tulong sa ating mga kababayan na maaapektuhan ng bagyo,” said Dumlao, who also serves as the DSWD spokesperson.
According to PAGASA, TD Ada may intensify into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours as it crosses the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of the Caraga Region.
The DSWD is currently coordinating with port authorities and local government units (LGUs) to assist locally stranded individuals (LSIs) affected by sea travel suspensions. “Dahil sa masamang panahon, maraming local ports ang nag-suspend ng mga byahe. Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin ang aming mga field offices para makapaghatid ng tulong kung kinakailangan,” Dumlao pointed out.
In addition to food packs, the Department has placed disaster response vehicles and specialized equipment—including mobile kitchens, mobile water stations, and mobile command centers—on standby for immediate deployment.
Dumlao urged the public to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure safety. “Muli, nagpapaalala po kami sa ating mga kababayan na maging alerto, makinig, at sumunod sa inyong mga lokal na opisyal para masigurado ang inyong kaligtasan habang nararamdaman ang epekto ng bagong bagyo,” she said.