ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec 23 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX (DSWD IX) has initially dispatched 5,000 Noche Buena packs to Iligan City last night of Dec 21 for the families who were affected by the recent typhoon ‘Sendong’.
DSWD Regional Director Teodulo Romo relayed that said office will transport a total of 9,000 Noche Buena packs after Sec. Corazon Soliman advised neighboring DSWD offices to ready such goods and to ensure that these are received by the families as early as December 23.
Information Officer Narrabelle Z. Bue said other neighboring DSWD Regions – Davao (Region 11) and Butuan (Caraga) were also tasked by the Department Secretary to send same packs to Cagayan de Oro victims.
The Noche Buena packs amounting to P500 consists of a can of fruit cocktail, luncheon meat, corned beef, cheese, spaghetti noodles and sauce and a pack of candy. Officials and staff of the regional office will be extending working hours at the DSWD Warehouse in Mampang to help out in the repacking of goods.
“We hope that this little pack, will help lighten up their mood for Christmas and be comforted by the hope this yuletide season brings which is the true essence of Christmas”, Director Romo said.
Early this week, the office dispatched 2000 family packs as relief supply for the families in Iligan. The pack includes rice, canned goods, noodles and coffee.
With the recent disaster, DSWD staffs have decided to forego with the usual Christmas party fun fare this year but take the time instead in preparing/repacking the goods. The office had also collected voluntary contributions for their colleagues in DSWD Region X office who were also affected by the calamity. (DSWD-9/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)