Gatchalian advises DSWD regional directors: Stay sharp and maintain performance excellence
In his new role as the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Secretary Rex Gatchalian is spearheading a bold initiative to enhance the country's disaster preparedness and response system. The plan, designed to ensure timely and adequate assistance to disaster victims, merges effective government coordination with private sector cooperation.
At the heart of the plan is the activation of the Disaster Response Command Center (DRCC) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Operating on red alert status during threats like Tropical Depression Crising, the DRCC will swiftly coordinate disaster response and relief efforts, with backup personnel on duty to expedite operations.
To further strengthen the agency's readiness, Gatchalian is considering dividing regional office logistics for disaster preparedness into smaller areas. This move aims to improve response times and resource allocation during emergencies.
Prepositioning of relief supplies nationwide is another key element of the plan. The national stockpile of family food packs will increase from below 1 million to 3 million, strategically stored in 934 government warehouses across the country. Continuous production of relief supplies is maintained at main warehouses, including the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) and the Visayas Disaster Resource Center.
The implementation of the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) Program is another strategic move. This program employs two parallel supply chains: one driven by national and local government agencies, and another leveraging partnerships with private sector entities. This approach optimizes resource mobilization and technical expertise for faster response.
Disaster response teams and quick response units are also being mobilized 24/7 in field offices nationwide. These teams monitor situations, conduct preemptive evacuations, and immediately deliver relief goods and services to affected communities, even during non-business hours.
Financial readiness is another priority for Gatchalian, with standby funds of PHP 2.9 billion set aside. Alongside large stockpiles, this funding ensures rapid deployment of aid when needed.
Easing social welfare is a "multi-pronged approach" for Gatchalian. He plans to streamline processes, clean up databases, and use chat bots for automation. He is also seeking the expertise of the academe, particularly the University of the Philippines' College of Social Work and Community Development.
Secretary Gatchalian is also considering introducing a food stamp program for poor families to help cope with rising food costs, a suggestion made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The specifics of this program, including how it would work and a timeline for its rollout, have yet to be discussed.
Gatchalian, who served as the mayor of Valenzuela for nine years before being appointed DSWD secretary, emphasizes the importance of being proactive and efficient in his role. He has criticized a lack of urgency in some cases, as demonstrated by a regional director who reported a situation that had occurred over a month ago.
On Monday, February 6, Gatchalian will have a video conference with all DSWD regional directors to discuss these initiatives further. He also plans to use disaster mapping to help prepare for disaster distribution.
Gatchalian's approach emphasizes a fail-safe and agile disaster response system that leverages the private sector to enhance the country's resilience against calamities. Under his leadership, the DSWD is committed to disaster preparedness and swift response.
- Secretary Gatchalian, in his new role as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is focusing on financial readiness by setting aside standby funds of PHP 2.9 billion for disaster response, demonstrating a commitment to rapid aid deployment.
- Alongside optimizing resource mobilization and technical expertise through the Buong Bansa Handa (BBH) Program, Gatchalian is seeking partnerships with private sector entities to strengthen the agency's disaster response system, indicating a leadership approach that values business cooperation.
- In his multi-pronged approach to easing social welfare, Secretary Gatchalian is advocating for policy-and-legislation changes, such as the proposal for a food stamp program, which aligns with his commitment to addressing general news issues like rising food costs and poverty.
