The Department of Social Welfare and Development convened the 17 National Capital Region’s City Social Welfare and Development Offices for a meeting to discuss protocols on proper coordination on the implementation of the disaster response operation in light of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, headed by Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista and Regional Director Vicente Gregorio B. Tomas on March 18, 2020 at Field Office NCR Grounds, Legarda, Manila.

Regional Director Tomas discussed the importance of working things out together, not DSWD alone, nor LGUs alone, but all together, to win this battle against Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). He emphasized the eight points talking agenda on the relief works, operations and distributions.

The identification of distribution centers, which will serve as relief operation center per LGU where the DSWD-NCR will direct Family Food Packs (FFPs), is highlighted as the first and foremost process. He also reiterated the need to secure the safety of the responder or worker as well hence, he requested the LGUs to have stand-by medical units, ambulance and staging area.

The distribution protocols were discussed for the efficient and effective delivery of services. He also said that the DSWD, together with the LGUs must comply with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DSWD will deliver FFPs on identified distribution center of each LGU, and LGUs will deliver it to their constituents.

Part of Mr. Tomas’ eight point agenda is the strict compliance with social distancing and safety measures. Each LGU must provide decontamination chambers on their distribution centers. The safety of responders and clients is part of the top-most priority of the Department therefore following the IATF decontamination protocols is a must.

The DSWD will accept all donations from individuals, corporates, private sectors and other entities, in order to secure that the protocols on donating are well-observed.  

Mr. Tomas also emphasized the need to follow the protocol on messaging. “As a caution, cascade correct, right, and well-researched themes and messages, to avoid conflict and delivery or wrong information to the public. We must speak within our competencies in order to educate the public,” Mr. Tomas said. “The strength to fight COVID-19 is Redundancy, Resiliency, Connectivity and Coordination. Let us all help and fight this pandemic together. At this challenging time, it is important that we take necessary steps to prevent further transmission and reduce the impact of the outbreak,” Secretary Bautista emphasized. ###