Allen: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has completed the construction of a PHP40-million satellite warehouse in Allen, Northern Samar, aimed at storing essential food packs and other relief materials for efficient distribution during emergencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua highlighted that the newly opened warehouse will primarily serve families in Northern Samar, a region frequently affected by flooding during severe weather disturbances. The satellite warehouse is expected to enhance the agency's capacity to store and distribute relief goods and essential supplies more efficiently.
Chua emphasized that although the warehouse is located in Northern Samar, its service area is not limited to the province. The facility can store enough food packs and materials to support 10,000 to 15,000 families, allowing for a swift response to the needs of Northern Samar and surrounding areas.
Before the completion of the satellite warehouse, the DSWD prepositioned food packs in a facility managed by the Office of the Civil Defense in Allen town, which primarily stored emergency response equipment. The new warehouse now enables the DSWD regional office to better manage and distribute supplies.
In addition to Allen town, the DSWD regularly stores family food packs in various locations including Biri, Northern Samar; Jipapad, Taft, and Guiuan in Eastern Samar; Almagro and Santo Ni±o in Samar; Maripipi Island, Kawayan, and Naval in Biliran province; Sogod, Southern Leyte; and the DSWD regional resource operations center in Palo, Leyte. The strategic designation of warehouses in areas without DSWD facilities ensures faster delivery of relief goods during disasters.