MUNICIPAL LINKS Liza Camacho and Zyanne Mae Souribio (in red DSWD vests) of Panay, Capiz cited the usefulness of the 50-meter rope that was issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD6) to its field staff in helping save more than 400 people during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

The people – from Barangays Agho, Pili, Pawa and Bontod – were initially evacuated at the Civic Center of Panay following the advisory for residents living in coastal areas on the danger posed by the forthcoming super typhoon. But Yolanda’s strength, carrying a maximum sustained wind of around 315kph, blew off the roofs of the Civic Center.

Shivering from the cold and fearing for their lives, the evacuees – including children and elders- braved the howling wind to cross for safety towards the Municipal Operations Office of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program using the rope. The Municipal Links tied the rope in one post of their office building while another brave soul tied its other end at the Civic Center.

The rope was issued by the DSWD6 to Pantawid Pamilya field staff months before super typhoon Yolanda as part of its commitment to provide frontline Program implementers with safety gears and equipment while delivering social services especially in upland and island communities. Aside from the rope, DSWD6 also issued first aid kits, flashlights, whistles and life vests for the staff. (DSWD6/Alma Jornadal-Estember)