LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has deployed its mobile command center (MCC) with state-of-the-art information and communications technology (ICT) equipment that can improve and expedite data gathering for need assessment of families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) in Naga City and other areas in Camarines Sur.
In a phone interview, DSWD-5 disaster response management division information officer Carl James Cabarles said the MCC can ensure continuous, effective, reliable, and timely emergency telecommunications support needed in their disaster response operations.
“Data gathering is very important as it will help us in the humanitarian response efforts needed in Naga City and neighboring towns in Camarines Sur. With an internet connection and power supply, residents and affected individuals can use it to connect with their families,” he said.
Cabarles said the MCC deployment team members are skilled in ICT management, networking, electronics, and communications, and are proficient in data gathering, report preparation, and response cluster management.
Cabarles said that aside from the MCC, DSWD is also scheduled to conduct psychosocial first aid sessions in various evacuation centers.
“This is also our mandate to assist those who have been traumatized by the Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. We want them to feel better, to ease their loneliness, their fear, and the trauma, particularly for children,” he said.
Cabarles said recreational activities such as movie marathons and educational activities will be conducted.
He said a total of 101, 801 food packs worth PhP 71 million and 78, 641 non-food items worth PhP 129 million were prepositioned in different regional warehouses and LGU sites.
A PhP 3 million standby fund is also ready for disbursement should there be a need to buy additional food packs and non-food kits.
A family food pack contains six kilograms of rice, 10 canned goods, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drink, enough to sustain a family of five for two days.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Albay continues to respond to the needs of the affected families caused by Kristine.
Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) acting chief Dante Baclao said they are providing relief goods to the families in evacuation centers.
“We will continue to assist all the local government units in the province,” he said.
Acting Governor Baby Glenda Ong Bongao announced the suspension of government work and classes remains in effect on Friday. (PNA)