By Carlo P Canares
The government is opening more repacking centers for food items across the country in view of the increasing volume being produced by government and coming in as donations that need to be distributed.
Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras said the government is prioritizing the provision of food and water to a huge number of people affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
Hardest hit areas are Leyte, particularly Tacloban, and Samar province.
The Department of Social Welfare & Development is opening up additional repacking hubs in all major cities across the country.
“Let us all get ready for the increase in volume of goods to move,” Almendras said.
Some 60,000 food packs are expected to be transported anytime now for Tacloban.
Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa said the target is 146,000 food packs to be produced daily, from a 60,000 capacity.
A food pack consists of at least 6 kilos of rice, 12 types of canned goods and water.
The government is calling on individuals and groups that would help in the repacking of food and other items. Even universities and other institutions are very much welcome to coordinate with the DSWD.
One university, according to Almendras, has volunteered its place as a hub and students during their free hours can help in the repacking.
Talks with institutions to serve as hubs is currently underway and the DSWD is coming up with a list.
Social Welfare & Development Secretary Dinky Soliman is now in Ormoc City setting up another hub and overlooking operations. (PIA-ROD)