By Ben Moses Ebreo

 

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines (PIA) — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cagayan Valley have signed an agreement for the management of a warehouse facility to further strengthen disaster response and mitigation efforts in the province.

The agreement covers the turnover and management of the warehouse facility under a 30-year usufruct arrangement.

Under the pact, the facility will be used for the storage and prepositioning of Family Food Packs (FFPs), non-food items, ready-to-eat food packs, and other relief commodities intended for disaster-affected communities.

The agreement also allows the DSWD to utilize the warehouse for 30 years without transfer of ownership, ensuring the long-term and sustainable use of the facility in support of disaster response and social protection operations in the province.

“This is a big help in strengthening the Department’s logistics capacity and ensuring the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected families in the province and nearby areas,” DSWD Regional Director Lucia Suyu-Alan said.

She also thanked Governor Jose Gambito for the continued support and partnership in advancing the Department’s mandate to protect and promote the welfare of poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors.

Last year, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian vowed to strengthen the agency’s logistics capability in the province to bring government services closer to communities in need, especially during disasters and calamities.

The warehouse facility is expected to enhance the province’s preparedness and response capability during emergencies and ensure faster delivery of relief assistance to affected residents. (OTB/BME/PIA Nueva Vizcaya)