DSWD cites value of WFP’s mechanized production system in relief ops

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo has lauded the mechanized production system (MPS) that was formally turned over by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to the Philippines on Friday, as “valuable” to her department’s relief operations. (PNA photo)

MANILA— Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo has lauded the mechanized production system (MPS) that was formally turned over by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to the Philippines on Friday, as “valuable” to her department’s relief operations.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of this MPS to our disaster relief efforts. The new administration of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) saw how useful and very valuable it was during the last strong typhoons — Ferdie, Lawin and Nina — and we were able to deliver almost immediately family food packs to Filipinos in need because the system of preparing them was very efficient and mechanized,” she said.

Taguiwalo and WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Praveen Agrawal signed the deed of donation and acceptance for the MPS.

The MPS consists of equipment that automates and streamlines the production of food packs, enabling the department to quickly and efficiently provide relief aid to local government units during disaster operations.

It was installed at the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City in September 2015, and has produced 1.08 million out of 1.75 million food packs distributed by the department to calamity victims.

“Our country’s vulnerability to disasters and calamities is one of the things that threaten our food security. We need all the assistance that we can get from our different partners,” Taguiwalo said.

“We are very glad to have the WFP among those we work with in our continuing efforts to deliver relief assistance as soon as there is a need for it in our communities. We welcome the significant contributions of the WFP to ensure the prompt and adequate delivery of relief resources to disaster victims,” she added, noting that only last Wednesday, they were able to prepare and release food packs to fire victims in Bacoor Cavite.

Meanwhile, the social welfare chief took the opportunity to bring up the need for another warehouse and an MPS in Mindanao.

“We all know the myriad calamities both natural and man-made that take place in Mindanao on a regular basis. For the DSWD to have a warehouse and an MPS is very important so we can respond immediately to the needs of Filipinos affected by the said disasters there,” she said.