( DSWD-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – In response to the growing needs of stranded passengers due to the vehicle restrictions at San Juanico Bridge, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas will deploy a mobile kitchen to serve hot meals.
DSWD-8 Regional Director Grace Subong said this is the first time the agency will roll out such a facility in the region to address food access during emergencies like the current disruption, which prohibits buses and trucks from crossing the bridge.
While the agency has family food packs ready for distribution, Subong emphasized that providing freshly cooked meals is more suitable under the circumstances.
“Mayroon tayong mga family food packs pero wala naman silang mga individual kitchen na magagamit sa pagluto,” Subong explained. “Kaya kailangan namin ng tulong ng mga LGU para matukoy kung saan kami magse-set up—isa lang ang mobile kitchen, at dapat may isa sa bawat panig ng tulay.”
The mobile kitchen will initially serve “hot lugaw” and may later offer other nutritious meals in coordination with the National Nutrition Council to ensure that the food provided supports the health of the passengers.
Stranded passengers like Salema Magelis, who was traveling from Maguindanao to Metro Manila with her mother and brother, said their food budget was nearly exhausted after being stranded in both Surigao and Tacloban. What should have been a three-day trip has stretched to four days on the road.
Another passenger, Enar Machete from Surigao, expressed similar concerns, saying he may run out of money for food if delays continue.
To address these concerns, DSWD will meet with local officials from Tacloban and Sta. Rita to identify suitable locations for the mobile kitchen. Subong emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination in rolling out this initiative.
In addition to hot meals, the DSWD regional office has prepositioned relief supplies and said it is prepared to provide cash assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, should the need arise.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
