MANILA – Over 8 million family food packs (FFPs) have been distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 6,864,735 families affected by a series of natural disasters across the country in 2024, an official reported.

These food packs were part of the 10 million FFPs produced in record time by the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu province.

«While the high number of affected individuals can be attributed to the severity of tropical cyclones and other disasters, it also reflects our intensified disaster response operations and stronger collaboration with partner agencies, allowing us to reach more families in need.»

From January to early October 2024, the DSWD focused on providing humanitarian aid to families impacted by Typhoons Agon and Buchoy, severe tropical storms Karina and Enten, Typhoons Ferdie and Gener, Tropical Storm Helen, Tropical Depression Julian, as well as major fires, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

«Consecutive storms, beginning with Cristina, followed by Leon, Marse, Nika, Ophel, and Pepito, as well as the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, increased the number of affected families receiving assistance from the DSWD.»

A total of 524,334 families also received aid through the agency’s Cash-for-Work (CFW), Food-for-Work (FFW), and Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) programs.

ECT beneficiaries were provided direct cash assistance to help them secure essential needs and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

CFW and FFW beneficiaries received cash or food in exchange for participating in community work and training.

1,000 Storage Facilities

To accelerate aid delivery to disaster-stricken areas, the DSWD now maintains around 1,000 storage facilities nationwide, including warehouses, centers, distribution hubs, and last-mile delivery points.

«The strategic expansion of storage capacity is part of the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) project, which establishes two parallel supply mechanisms to ensure comprehensive coverage and timely assistance for affected families in all disaster-hit areas.»

The first mechanism involves a supply chain led by national and local governments, enhancing the production capacity of NROC, VDRC, and warehouses across 16 field offices.

The second mechanism involves partnerships with grocery chains, supermarkets, manufacturers, and distributors to leverage private-sector expertise and resources for a more efficient supply chain.

Mobile Command Centers

In 2024, the agency also strengthened its digital monitoring and communication systems for disaster response by launching the Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) and Mobile Command Centers (MCCs).

«These initiatives align with the vision of a technology-driven disaster management system.»

The upgraded DRCC, inaugurated in January 2024, uses advanced communication tools to coordinate between DSWD’s central office, field offices, disaster risk reduction agencies, and local governments.

Later, the MCCs were introduced to maintain connectivity between disaster-hit areas and regional operational centers (ROCs), DRCCs, or regional disaster councils (RDRRMCs).

Each MCC is equipped with satellite internet, devices, and generators to provide stable power and connectivity for disaster responders and affected communities.

Ready-to-Eat Food

Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC)

The Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) is a facility in the Philippines dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in the Visayas region. Established to address the frequent natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes that impact the area, the VDRC serves as a hub for training, resource storage, and coordination among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. It plays a key role in enhancing resilience and reducing risks in one of the country’s most disaster-prone regions.

National Resource Operations Center (NROC)

The **National Resource Operations Center (NROC)** is a key facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), primarily responsible for distributing food and nutrition assistance programs, such as school meals and disaster relief supplies. Established to streamline federal food distribution, NROC plays a vital role in ensuring efficient resource allocation during emergencies and supporting food security initiatives across the United States. Its operations highlight the USDA’s commitment to public welfare through large-scale logistical coordination.

Mandaue City

Mandaue City, located in Cebu, Philippines, is a highly urbanized area known for its industrial and economic significance. Founded in 1571 by Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi, it is one of the oldest cities in the country and played a key role in Cebu’s colonial history. Today, Mandaue is a thriving hub for manufacturing and commerce, home to many businesses and landmarks like the historic Bantayan sa Hari watchtower.

Cebu province

Cebu Province, located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is known for its rich history as the site of the country’s first Spanish settlement in 1565. It is home to iconic landmarks like Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, which symbolize the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Today, Cebu is a vibrant hub of culture, trade, and tourism, famous for its white-sand beaches, festivals like Sinulog, and bustling metropolitan center, Cebu City.

Pasay City

Pasay City is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, Philippines, known for its vibrant commercial districts and key transportation hubs, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Historically, it was a small fishing village before becoming a significant area under Spanish colonial rule and later a center of economic growth in the 20th century. Today, Pasay is home to major landmarks like the SM Mall of Asia and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, blending modernity with cultural heritage.

Kanlaon Volcano

Kanlaon Volcano, located on Negros Island in the Philippines, is an active stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Visayas region, standing at 2,465 meters. Known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife, it is part of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, a protected area. The volcano has a history of eruptions, with recorded activity dating back to the 19th century, making it both a significant natural landmark and a potential hazard.

Buong Bansa Handa (BBH)

«Buong Bansa Handa» (BBH), which translates to «Whole Nation Ready,» is a disaster preparedness program in the Philippines led by the government to enhance resilience against natural calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Launched to promote proactive measures, it involves public awareness campaigns, emergency drills, and inter-agency coordination to minimize risks and ensure swift response. The initiative reflects the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to adapt to its vulnerability to frequent disasters due to its geographic location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt.

Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC)

The Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) is a critical facility designed to coordinate emergency responses during natural or man-made disasters. Established to improve disaster management, it integrates real-time data, communication systems, and expert teams to streamline rescue and relief operations. While specific historical details vary by location, such centers have become essential in modern crisis response, often evolving after major disasters highlighted gaps in coordination.