The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) has prepositioned 6,000 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes in six major ports of Negros Occidental.

In a report yesterday, the DSWD said the proactive logistics and strategic prepositioning is part of its commitment to deliver timely and efficient services to affected families during disasters and emergencies.

The RTEF packs are to be distributed to stranded passengers in case of sea transport disruptions.

A total of 3,000 RTEF boxes were allocated for Banago Port in Bacolod City; the terminal management offices in Pulupandan received 1,000 boxes; and 500 boxes in San Carlos City, Escalante City, Sagay City and E.B. Magalona.

The RTEF packs were developed through a year-long collaboration between the DSWD and the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Each food pack contains tuna paella, chicken pastil, arroz caldo, champorado, high-protein biscuits and complementary infant food.

“For a more strategic and immediate disaster response, these are prepositioned in key ports across Negros Occidental,” DSWD-NIR said.

It has identified the Philippine Ports Authority-managed Banago Port as the main storage facility for the DSWD field offices and branches within Negros Occidental. (PNA)