The Department of Social Welfare and Development National Capital Region provided resource augmentation to DSWD Field Office CALABARZON in assisting the victims of the Taal Volcano Eruption which caused devastation and harm to the province of Batangas and nearby areas. The volcano heaved ashes measuring 100 meters on the afternoon of January 12, 2020 after 43 years of dormancy.
On the same day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology upgraded the alert status to Level 3 and immediately ordered an evacuation within the shore of Batangas. The Department of Social Welfare and Development National Capital Region led by Regional Director Mr. Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas, assisted by Disaster Response Management Division Chief, Mr Bienvenido Barbosa and DSWD-NCR Quick Response Team, immediately extended their help by providing relief goods in addition to the provision of DSWD Field Office CALABARZON.
Directed by DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, FO NCR provided two (2) batches of quick response teams to assist in the relief operations to the 11 evacuation centers in Malvar.
In addition, the two (2) quick response teams went house to house to conduct psychosocial assessment and interventions to the disaster victims as part of the Department’s intention to help the people of Malvar get back on track after the calamity.
Mr. Jasper Forbes, Social Welfare Officer II of Field Office NCR, conducted Orientation on RA 10821 and Child Friendly Space Management to nineteen (19) Daycare Teachers, as they act as the frontliners in times of Disaster. Capacity building and development activities for Psychosocial First Aid to Children and other IDPs were also provided.
Compassion, cooperation and team efforts are the values that the DSWD-NCR is upholding in times of disasters. More than prevention and mitigation, the “Angels in Red Vest” are always on their feet to provide disaster response and relief to those in need. ###
From the reports of: Gracille Anne Tarroquin, Information Officer I, Social Marketing Office