DSWD readies food packs for quarantine-affected families

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to start the distribution of food packs and non-food items to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The DSWD said its regional field offices are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in identifying target beneficiaries, distribution points and strategies to be undertaken to ensure the smooth distribution of relief goods in areas placed on lockdown.

DSWD workers will be escorted by the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines during the delivery of food packs.

The DSWD has a total of P1.3 billion in quick response fund, which can be replenished by the Department of Budget and Management once exhausted to sustain the provision of food and other essential supplies to COVID-hit communities.

The city government of San Juan is partnering with the DSWD for food assistance for indigent families and displaced workers.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the city has a smaller calamity fund compared to other LGUs in Metro Manila. 

In Baguio City, food and non-food items will be provided to poor families affected by the community quarantine.

In a bid to “democratize” COVID testing, Marikina City will be the first LGU to partner with health officials in field validating the locally-produced testing kits.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro said they would take part in the validation of the COVID-19 testing kits produced by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Health (UP-NHI) starting next week.   – With Romina Cabrera, Evelyn Macairan, Artemio Dumlao