DSWD needs #RubyResponse volunteers in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Department of Social Welfare and Deverlopment (DSWD) is asking for volunteers in Cebu to help in the repacking of relief goods.

The appeal was made by DSWD Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera in a press briefing Sunday morning. Repackers and handlers are needed for the 24-hour operations at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

In a press statement, the DSWD also said they will be delivering via C-130 10,000 food packs from the CICC to Borongan, Eastern Samar to augment resources of local governments helping Typhoon Ruby survivors. The department is eyeing the delivery of additional 100,000 food packs to Eastern Samar. 

“We’re serving not just Cebu but other regions nearby,” Cabrera said.

Those who are interested may contact the Cebu offices of the DSWD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Interested volunteers may call Jo Belotindos at +63939-174-8342, the DSWS statement said.

Cebu was chosen as the “hub” to service Typhoon Ruby response requirements in the Visayas and Mindanao. DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman is now in Cebu to lead the operations there.

Metro Manila support

Meanwhile, the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City will be providing support to the Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, MIMAROPA, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila areas, where Ruby is also expected. NROC, according to DSWD, will maintain “100,000 food packs at all times.”

On Saturday, December 6, NROC transported 6,720 food packs and several non-food items to the Bicol Region using 5 trucks from the World Food Programme.

For evacuees, as of December 6, the department said at least 104,658 families or 352,799 persons have fled their homes and sought shelter in 1,758 evacuation centers in typhoon-hit areas. – Rappler.com