The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI advised the public to be ready for the possible havoc that Typhoon “Yolanda” may bring to the Western Visayas region.

DSWD regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said in a Public Service Announcement sent to media outlets yesterday, “Ginapahibalo ang tanan nga pumuluyo diri sa Panay kag Neros Occiental nga maghanda para sa bagyo nga “Yolanda.” Ini mabaskug nga bagyo gani gina-hinyo gid ang tanan nga magpreparar.”

The DSWD6 has also convened and activated its Quick Response Team in case the typhoon hits the area.

Per information from the Protective Services Unit of the agency, they have already prepositioned relief goods in the different provinces. Aside from this, the regional office has 3,000 standby goods for augmentation to Local Government Units when the need arises.

Bayanihang Bayan volunteers also arrived at the agency’s compound late Wednesday to help in repacking of goods as a proactive measure. As of this writing, the repacking continues with volunteers from Adventist Community Service helping in the activity.

Macapobre also called on all the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (C/MSWDOs) and the City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (C/MDRRMCs) to already start their preparations for fast delivery of relief goods and ensure safety of families and communities.

The field workers, regular or MOA were likewise instructed to be alert and work closely with the local social welfare offices, particularly in identifying names of victims, both inside and outside of evacuation centers, for immediate reporting to the regional office to hasten the dispatch of assistance and releasing of relief goods./dswd6