To fast track relief distribution in quake-hit areas in Bohol, Department Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman said that  there should be stronger coordination with concerned local government units.

The Secretary emphasized that local officials  know the  circumstances and immediate needs of their constituents, thus, they should be consulted.

She, however, explained that the relief goods need not be surrendered to the local officials.

“In times of crisis, we should help one another and not engage in politics,” Secretary Soliman added.

As of October 24, the DSWD reported that since the earthquake occurred, a total of 198,113 family packs have been distributed to 39 towns including Tagbilaran City by the combined team of DSWD, Provincial Government of Bohol, and non-government organizations.

Aside from food items, the DSWD also provided 153 rolls of laminated plastic tents to be used as temporary shelter of families from the towns of Loon, Maribojoc, Catigbian, San Isidro, Cortes, Tubigon, San Miguel, Antequerra, Dagohoy, Carmen, Batuan, Sikatuna, Sierra Bullones, Dimiao, Pilar, Bilar, Sagbayan, Corella, and Trinidad.

From the initial 109 evacuation centers, only 81 are now open. The number of community-based evacuation sites still remains at 22.

“We are now on the second cycle of relief distribution. We have also partnered with local and international humanitarian groups to begin planning for the early recovery and rehabilitation efforts,” Secretary  Soliman added.

Meanwhile, DSWD deployed social workers in the most affected towns and have started distributing Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) to the families.

The DAFAC aims to validate status of the affected families and will serve as reference for provision of additional and appropriate interventions required per family.

To ensure transparency, barangay personnel and other community volunteers are  involved in the validation of the official list of affected families. ###