BUTUAN CITY- As the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that Caraga region will be hit by Tropical Depression Marce, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga assures the public that the agency is ready for augmentation support to the local government units.

While the TD Marce was yet an eyed Low Pressure Area (LPA) located east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the agency had already called the attention of its key persons of the Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to prepare for possible development of a tropical depression.

As part of its disaster preparedness activities, the agency already prepositioned 13,000 family food packs amounting to P4, 224,740. These goods are prepositioned to strategic areas or geographically hard to reach areas in the region.

Some 14,916 family food packs are also stockpiled at the regional warehouse in Butuan City. As of time, there is an on-going relief packing for additional stockpile of goods.

The Field Office has also available non-food items amounting to P1,219,133.33.

As of reporting time, QRT members of DSWD-Caraga are on standby mode for easy mobilization. The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD), and City/Municipal Action Teams (C/MATs) of the affected areas are closely coordinating with the Local Social Welfare and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers for updates.

Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli said that the regional office is in constant communication with the SWAD and C/MAT members regarding the situation in their areas.

“DSWD is ready to perform its augmentation role to the local government units of the provinces, municipalities, and cities who are the first responders to their constituents,” she added.

Brigoli also expressed her call for the public to be on alert and to heed announcements of authorities for their own safety. ###(Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)