Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the agency has sufficient family food packs (FFPs) in regions affected by the volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island.

Gatchalian said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. directed the DSWD to stay on top of the situation and ensure no family will be left behind.

“As we speak right now, may 10,000 tayong FFPs kagabi — almost 5,000 sa Negros Occidental, 5,000 sa Negros Oriental. Kanina, may 10,000 ulit na FFPs na dumating dito at galing ‘yan sa packaging center natin sa Cebu,” Gatchalian said in a press conference in Canlaon City.

He added there are 10,000 more FFPs to be sent to the Bacolod City area.

He said he is in constant communication with the heads of the affected local government units to personally know the situation and prepare for the worst if volcanic activities continue.

“Once safe na ang ating mamamayan, tulad ng nasabi ko kanina, tuloy tuloy ‘yung pagbibigay ng pagkain sa ating mga affected families,” he said.

He noted that the DSWD is ready to provide other forms of assistance in addition to the FFPs to help the affected residents cope with the possible disruptions to their livelihood.

“Pumapasok ang financial assistance, kaya nga nag-uusap din kami ng mga kongresista na kung darating ang panahon na ‘yan, meron tayong ibang mga programa tulad nung Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, meron tayong emergency cash transfer,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tonyson Luther Lee, DSWD-Central Visayas Assistant Director for Administration, told the Philippine News Agency that about 40,000 FFPs have been in transit since Monday night, June 3, bound for Negros Island.

He said DSWD also deployed a Mobile Command Center to Negros Oriental to provide state-of-the-art satellite internet, large power banks and two sets of generators to help communities near the volcano. (PNA)