DSWD Allocates ₱3 Billion for Disaster Relief Preparedness in 2025

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines announced on Sunday, July 6, 2025, that it has earmarked ₱3 billion in standby funds along with a prepositioned stockpile of relief supplies to address upcoming calamities across the nation. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing strategy to enhance disaster response capabilities and ensure timely assistance to affected local government units (LGUs).

According to Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson, the fund is designed to respond swiftly to requests from various LGUs affected by natural disasters. "This will be utilized to respond to the different requests of calamity-affected LGUs," Dumlao stated during an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. In addition to financial resources, the DSWD has prepared over three million family food packs, which are stored in its warehouses nationwide as well as in LGU and private organization facilities.

The urgency of this preparedness was underscored by recent weather events. The Office of Civil Defense reported that over 3,700 families in the Ilocos Region (Region I), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Cagayan Valley (Region II) have been affected by Typhoon Bising, which is internationally named Danas. Dumlao confirmed that the DSWD has already provided assistance to residents particularly in Benguet and Ilocos Sur, who faced immediate challenges due to the storm.

Typhoon Bising, which escalated to a severe tropical storm before reaching typhoon status, exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday night. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Danas had maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 150 kilometers per hour, as it moved north northwestward.

The DSWD's proactive measures reflect an increasing recognition of the need for readiness in the face of climate change, which has intensified the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the Philippines. According to Dr. Maria Teresa Garcia, a climate scientist at the University of the Philippines, "The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and the government's allocation for disaster relief is a crucial step in safeguarding vulnerable communities."

Experts emphasize the importance of such funding as the country braces for more extreme weather events. Dr. Jose Luis Alano, a researcher at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), noted, "With climate change accelerating, we expect to see an increase in the intensity of storms and flooding. Therefore, having funds and resources readily available is vital for effective disaster management."

The DSWD's forward-looking strategy not only aims to mitigate the immediate effects of calamities but also addresses long-term resilience in disaster-prone areas. This approach aligns with global best practices in disaster risk reduction, as highlighted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which advocates for comprehensive disaster preparedness plans.

As the Philippines continues to navigate the challenges posed by natural disasters, the DSWD's preparedness measures are a hopeful sign of commitment towards protecting its citizens and aiding those in need. Looking ahead, the agency's readiness will be crucial in determining how effectively the nation can respond to and recover from future calamities, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most in a timely manner.