DSWD Mobile Kitchen Delivers Crucial Hot Meals to Typhoon-Hit Saint Bernard  

SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII has executed a swift disaster response operation in Southern Leyte, focusing on the immediate provision of hot, nourishing sustenance for families displaced or affected by Typhoon TinoPH.  

The relief effort, initiated on November 20, focused specifically on Barangay Libas, Saint Bernard. To ensure that the affected populace received immediate food assistance, the DSWD promptly deployed specialized personnel, known widely as the “Angels in Red Vests,” along with the crucial resource of the DSWD’s Mobile Kitchen.  

This rapid deployment mechanism was essential in responding to the needs of the affected residents, particularly by providing “hot food during cold weather”.

The presence of the Mobile Kitchen ensured that food distribution could be maximized in terms of quality and speed following the disaster.  

During this operation, the “Angels in Red Vests” successfully distributed 300 packed meals. The food was described as both hot and nutritious, aimed at addressing the immediate hunger and basic needs of the families struggling in the wake of the typhoon.

The mobilization of staff and the Mobile Kitchen was undertaken to immediately meet the urgent food requirements of the community in Saint Bernard.  

Sustained Coordination Efforts  

While the immediate need for warm meals was addressed in Barangay Libas, the DSWD stressed that its efforts extend far beyond single-site distributions. The agency maintains continuous coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs).  

This ongoing coordination is vital for ensuring that the necessary augmentation support is efficiently delivered to families impacted by various calamities.

The DSWD aims to work in close partnership with local authorities to sustain relief and recovery operations across affected regions.

The rapid response in Saint Bernard serves as a primary example of the agency’s commitment to deploying resources, such as the Mobile  Kitchen, to ensure vulnerable families receive timely and appropriate aid following natural disasters.  

According to Atty. Jonalyndie Chua, spokesperson DSWD ROVIII as of 12:00 in the morning, a total of 6,000 families had received family food boxes,  500 bottles of 6.6L of drinking water and 935 non-food items.  

Meanwhile, 2 beneficiaries received assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS), worth 10,000.00 pesos each, for the identified families in need.  

Atty. Chua reiterated the distribution of hot meals for the identified beneficiaries with different barangays to serve per day to cater to all affected families.  

The relief effort started immediately after the typhoon with Family Food Boxes (FFBs), while the hot meals started on  November 20, Atty. Chua stated.