CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Due to the bad weather that might escalate and displace residents living in high-risk areas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10) has activated its quick response team (QRT) Wednesday morning.
The activation of the QRT, the DSWD-10 said in a statement, was “in anticipation and preparation for the possible effects of the current weather disturbance inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility,” referring to Tropical Depression Domeng.
DSWD-10 regional director Nestor Ramos said the agency has prepositioned its supplies of food and non-food items to Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, and Iligan City.
As of June 6, the DSWD-10 has prepared 64,000 family food packs and has a standby fund of P3 million as its augmentation to the local governments responding to disaster operations.
“DWSD Field Office 10 has been closely monitoring and coordinating with local disaster risk reduction management offices of local government units of Northern Mindanao,” Ramos said.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental has reported that three towns have declared suspension of classes in elementary and high school levels on Wednesday.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) chief Fernando Dy Jr. said the mayors of the municipalities of Initao, Gitagum and Manticao have suspended classes in their localities.
On Tuesday, June 5, the towns of Balingasag, Binuangan, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Lugait, Opol, Salay, and Sugbongcogon has declared suspension of classes following the heavy rains.
Dy said the declaration was made by the local chief executives, even though there was no rise in the water levels there, to ensure everyone is safe.
Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano said it is the discretion of the town mayors to make the declaration.
“We leave them up to the municipal mayors to suspend classes since they know the situation of their areas,” Emano said. (davaotoday.com)
