NATION

DSWD prepositions food packs as ‘Josie’ enters PAR

Sean A. Magbanua · Jul 15, 2026, 3:09 AM

The DSWD Davao Region immediately dispatched thousands of family food packs (FFPs) to Barangay Camalian in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, on Monday morning, July 13, 2026. The agency reported that the food packs will be distributed to families affected by the recent Super Typhoon Inday and the southwest monsoon (Habagat). (PHOTO COURTESY OF DSWD)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Tuesday that it has prepositioned nearly 4.75 million family food packs across the country to support local government units that may be affected by tropical depression “Josie.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that tropical depression “Josie” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“The DSWD is always prepared for any disaster. We do not wait for a typhoon or calamity to arrive before we prepare,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

Dumlao said 4,750,969 food packs are currently stored in various hubs, spokes, and last-mile warehouses nationwide.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has instructed all regional field offices to prepare specialized disaster equipment, including regional mobile command centers, to ensure communication and coordination remain active during potential disruptions.

“We also have P568.96 million in standby funds at our central office and various field offices,” Dumlao said.

The agency assured the public that it maintains sufficient relief supplies and logistical resources to provide immediate assistance to affected families.