DSWD on red alert, readies 3.4M food packs as habagat threatens more flooding

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 30, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been placed on red alert as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to bring heavy rains and flooding to parts of Luzon and the Visayas.

The department raised its alert status following National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum No. 237, series of 2026, which placed the country under red alert beginning on August 28.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said field offices, disaster response teams and relief supplies remained ready for immediate deployment to affected communities.

As of 6PM Friday, more than 3.4 million family food packs had been prepositioned in warehouses and other strategic locations nationwide. The DSWD Central Office also had ₱558.77 million in Quick Response Fund available for disaster operations.

The agency is coordinating with local government units, particularly in areas facing possible flooding, displacement and other weather-related emergencies. This is intended to facilitate the immediate augmentation of relief supplies and the provision of technical assistance when needed.

The heightened preparations came as the habagat continued to affect Luzon and the Visayas. In its 4 p.m. forecast on Saturday, Aug. 29, PAGASA said monsoon rains would persist over Metro Manila and several provinces, including Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal and Cavite. Heavy to intense rains could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Occasional rains were also forecast over Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Batangas and the Mindoro provinces. The rest of Luzon, Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region were expected to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms.

Continuous rainfall had already caused flooding and evacuations in parts of Luzon, including communities in Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bataan and Bulacan. Several roads became difficult or impassable as authorities warned residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate when advised. 

PAGASA also forecast moderate to strong southwesterly winds and moderate to rough coastal waters over Luzon.

The DSWD urged the public to monitor official advisories from PAGASA and local authorities and immediately coordinate with their local government if evacuation or emergency assistance becomes necessary.