The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA intensifies the operation of its Quick Response Team (QRT) in responding to the needs of affected families in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro due to Southwest Monsoon or ‘Habagat’ enhanced by Tropical Depression ‘Josie’.

DSWD also maintains its vigilant coordination with LGUs in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro for the provision of relief assistance.

As of July 24, 12 noon, the DSWD has distributed a total of 162 food packs amounting to Php 67, 716.00 in the municipalities of Rizal and Paluan Occidental Mindoro while prepositioned goods in municipalities of Sablayan and Mamburao are scheduled to be distributed today.

As of press time, the Department has recorded a total of 7,165 affected families or 32,812 affected persons in 68 barangays of OcciMin and OrMin.

Of this data, a total of 1,890 families or 8,734 persons are staying in 30 evacuation centers in Occidental Mindoro. On the other hand, 591 families or 2,768 persons are currently staying with their relatives and friends.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos assured the preparedness of the Department to provide assistance to affected families in Occidental Mindoro especially after it has been declared in state of calamity.

“The department has always available stockpile of Family Food Packs per SWADT offices of MIMAROPA region and 200 to 300 prepositioned goods per strategic cluster municipality and identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA) /critical areas.  So during disaster, assistance can be given immediately to affected families,” said RD Naviamos.

DSWD also converged with the Local Government Unit and other partner-agencies to expedite aid to affected citizens.

“Right now, we are closely coordinating with the LGU for the augmentation of resources and extending aid to affected families due to ‘Habagat’. In fact, as of this moment, there’s an ongoing DSWD relief distribution in Occidental Mindoro,” said RD Naviamos.

Child-friendly spaces were also set up in evacuation centers in Occidental Mindoro to provide games, informal education and other activities for displaced children.

“In times of disaster, we shouldn’t forget the wellness of vulnerable sectors such as children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and women. The department ensures that friendly spaces are provided for them,” sited RD Naviamos.

RD Naviamos also reminded the public to become vigilant especially the province has been declared in state of calamity due to continuous heavy rains and flash floods.

Four (4) casualties were reported in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. Of four casualties: two (2) were victims of landslide; one (1) was strucked by a falling tree; and one (1) drowned.  On the other hand, two (2) persons were reported missing in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

“We encourage the public to remain safe. If you were advised to evacuate your place, please do so in order to avoid further casualties.”

To date, there are available stockpile of 33, 470 family food packs in all Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) and Regional Warehouses of MIMAROPA.

Also the Regional Office is scheduled to repack additional 1, 366 family food packs to be delivered in affected areas.

Quick Response Team will continue providing reports about the status of affected population and disaster operations.   ###