The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Carga held the Regional Disaster Response Committee (RDRC) Post-disaster response and early recovery operations monitoring and review for Typhoon Odette on August 7–11, 2023, in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Maria Theresa Bas, Project Development Officer IV of the Disaster Response Management Bureau, reiterated DSWD’s mandate as vice chair for disaster response and early recovery, including its conceptual framework, which the participants actively listened to.

The week-long activity aimed at strengthening preparedness for future disasters in order to be better equipped and support communities in times of need. It was also an avenue for learning opportunities by helping the RDRC members identify strengths and weaknesses in their response systems.

DSWD Field Office Caraga has provided Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) to the Odette-affected families in Siargao Island and other affected areas in Caraga, all of which are thoroughly monitored to ensure the effectiveness of the ESA implementation.