July 27, 2019 – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2) through its Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) office in Batanes has started its response operations for those affected by the earthquake in the said province earlier today.

In a conference call with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and members of the Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CV-RDRRMC) at 10:00 AM today, the field office ensured partners of the readiness of the field office to respond to those affected by the earthquake.

SWAD Batanes is closely monitoring the progress of the situation with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (MSWDOs) of the province for immediate processing of DSWD support and assistance.

The SWAD team has also been instructed to assist bereaved families and injured individuals through the provision of financial assistance through the field office’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

The field office has a total stockpile and standby funds amounting to P12,888,820.41 including a total of 29,132 Family Food Packs (FFPs).

There are already 432 bags of standby rice, 144 cases of sardines and 300 cases of corned beef ready for utilization in the province. An additional Protective Services Fund amounting to P700,000.00 is ready for utilization by SWAD Batanes to the affected families and individuals.

As of the latest report, there have been 8 casualties and 60 injured from the earthquake subject to validation and further confirmation. ###