The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken proactive measures in Calabarzon, preparing thousands of relief supplies ahead of anticipated El Niño conditions.
In a recent report, the agency revealed that it has prepositioned 224,051 family food packs and 10,396 ready-to-eat meals across 82 warehouses in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.
In addition to food, DSWD has assembled various non-food items including 4,502 hygiene kits, 2,205 kitchen kits, 261 clothing kits, and 3,132 sleeping kits to support families facing extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions.
Proactive Measures for Vulnerable Communities
The agency emphasized that these preparations are part of its strategy to mitigate the effects of El Niño, particularly for vulnerable communities.
The prepositioning of these relief supplies forms part of the agency’s proactive measures to mitigate the possible effects of El Niño and other calamities.
DSWD Calabarzon
Throughout May, DSWD field offices will conduct inventory checks to ensure the quality and availability of the stored goods.
El Niño is characterized by significant climate changes, often leading to hotter and drier weather.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has indicated a 92% likelihood of a moderate to strong El Niño developing by late 2026, potentially lasting until early 2027.
Recent weather patterns have already resulted in elevated temperatures, with some areas recording heat indices reaching dangerous levels between 42°C and 51°C.
Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture has warned that an impending 'super El Niño' could severely impact the country's agricultural sector, which is already facing rising production costs.