The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has escalated its disaster response readiness to blue alert status as it closely tracks Tropical Depression Ada, the first tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in 2026.
Nationwide Prepositioning of Relief Goods
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) announced the alert level on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She explained that a blue alert signifies the second stage of preparations for an approaching storm, where emergency protocols are activated.
Over 2.7 million family food packs (FFPs) have been strategically prepositioned across various regions of the country to guarantee swift assistance to families potentially affected by the weather disturbance. The entire DSWD apparatus, including its Field Offices, is in constant coordination with local government units along Ada's projected path.
Regional Readiness and Preemptive Actions
Based on forecasts from PAGASA, Ada may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours as it crosses the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and parts of Caraga. In response, several regions have activated their contingency measures.
In Caraga (DSWD-13), 166,867 FFPs are ready in warehouses. The provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur are under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 (TCWS 1). The Dinagat Islands provincial government has activated public safety protocols, while Tandag City in Surigao del Sur has banned outdoor tourism activities.
Eastern Visayas (DSWD-8) has prepositioned PHP134.47 million worth of relief resources, including 150,683 family food packs, 11,973 ready-to-eat food packs, 17,529 non-food items, and PHP2.59 million in standby funds. Areas under TCWS No. 1 include Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, and parts of Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.
Davao Region (DSWD-11) is prepared with PHP1.2 million in standby funds and over 85,000 family food packs. Its quick response teams and disaster vehicles are on standby for immediate deployment.
Comprehensive Response on Standby
Beyond food assistance, the DSWD has readied its full suite of disaster response assets. Mobile kitchens, mobile water stations, mobile command centers, and other vehicles are prepared for deployment to affected areas as needed.
The department is also coordinating with port authorities and LGUs to ensure food assistance is available for locally stranded individuals, should the situation require it. Assistant Secretary Dumlao reiterated a call for public vigilance, urging citizens to heed official advisories from government agencies for their safety.
