The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has raised its alert level to red as Tropical Depression (TD) Wilma continues to affect areas across the Visayas region. The agency's Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) has been on heightened alert since Friday, December 5, 2025.
Government Mobilizes Resources for Swift Response
In a statement issued on Saturday, December 6, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao confirmed that all field offices in impacted regions are in constant coordination with local government units (LGUs). This effort aims to ensure a timely and well-organized disaster response for affected communities.
The DSWD assures the public that sufficient relief supplies are prepositioned nationwide. This includes family food packs and ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes. The agency currently maintains stockpiles and standby funds valued at P2.1 billion.
To bolster preparedness, repacking of food items is ongoing at the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City, Cebu. DSWD's quick response teams across all field offices are also on standby for potential emergencies.
Immediate Aid for Stranded Travelers
Relief operations are already underway. On Friday, DSWD Field Office 5 (Bicol Region) distributed RTEF boxes to roughly 2,000 stranded passengers and drivers at the Matnog and Castilla ports in Sorsogon province.
Similarly, DSWD Field Office 13 (Caraga) provided aid to stranded individuals at the Surigao City Port and Nasipit Port. Dumlao added that mobile command centers and mobile kitchens are prepared for deployment to facilitate faster delivery of social services.
"All resources needed for prompt assistance are ready," Dumlao stated, aligning the efforts with directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Rex Gatchalian to ensure no family goes hungry during calamities.
PNP on Standby for Public Safety
Concurrently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing for the storm's impact. Acting PNP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has directed all concerned police offices and units to prepare for Wilma's adverse effects.
Nartatez emphasized coordination with LGUs and other agencies to strategize the government's response, focusing on public safety. Measures include preemptive evacuation and the prepositioning of mobility and rescue assets.
"Our personnel on the ground were already alerted and they are ready," Nartatez said. He reminded officers to continuously monitor official weather forecasts to guide their preparations, following the President's directive for all uniformed personnel to remain on standby.
The PNP chief also encouraged local communities to stay informed through official updates and to cooperate with authorities to ensure everyone's safety during the weather disturbance.
