DSWD assures aid to individuals to be affected by ‘Champi’
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led a walkthrough of the DSWD National Resource Operations Center on Chapel Road, Pasay City, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development assured assistance to individuals who may be affected by Tropical Cyclone Champi.
The storm has slightly weakened but is expected to re-intensify into a super typhoon before entering the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday, October 20, state-weather bureau PAGASA said.
DSWD Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said around 4.5 million family food packs as well as non-food items are prepositioned across the agency’s warehouses ready for dispatch.
Batanes and Cagayan Valley are expected to feel the effects of ‘Champi’, said Dumlao.
“Tayo ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa local government units para matiyak na hindi maging adverse ‘yung epekto ng bagyo sa atin pong mga kababayan diyan po sa Region 2 and Region 1,” Dumlao told state-run media PTV in an interview Monday, October 19.
Standby funds are also available if needed, according to Dumlao.
The DSWD official also assured child friendly spaces should schools be utilized as evacuation centers to avoid learning disruption.
“We make sure that even if magamit man ‘yung mga paaralan ay may mga designated spaces pa rin, may mga child-friendly spaces para sa ating nga mag-aaral para hindi ma-interrupt ‘yung kanilang mga learning activities,” Dumlao noted.
Evacuation centers are managed by local government units with the agency providing technical assistance to ensure standards and protocols are being observed and protect internally displaced individuals, said Dumlao.