Over 2.5 million food packs are ready for distribution to areas anticipated to be affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for swift disaster response, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepared the food packs to ensure that food is available for evacuees.

“Sinigurado ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na nakahanda na ang higit sa 2.5 million food packs at iba pang relief items para sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

“Alinsunod ito sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pag-ibayuhin ang disaster preparedness ng bansa,” Castro added.

Aside from food packs, Castro said over 100,000 boxes of ready-to-eat food are also ready for dispatch for individuals who may be stranded due to bad weather.

Meanwhile, more than 300,000 relief items, including blankets, hygiene kits, and modular tents, are on standby for families who will be evacuated to temporary shelters.

Castro said the DSWD is closely monitoring the areas affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol to guarantee the immediate delivery of aid.

“Patuloy ang coordination ng DSWD sa mga LGUs para siguruhin na mapabilis ang pagtulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng bagyo,” Castro said.

Castro also reminded the public to prioritize their safety and to follow directives from their local government units (LGUs) to ensure their welfare.

As of Wednesday afternoon, September 17, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed 17 areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 due to the effects of Tropical Depression Mirasol.

These are Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the northern and central portions of Aurora, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the northeastern portion of Pangasinan, and the northern portion of Nueva Ecija. | PND