The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas deployed on Tuesday its mobile command center (MCC) to Southern Leyte as part of its response operations for Typhoon Tino.

The MCC is among the DSWD’s key communication assets equipped with a generator, wireless radio and other communication tools, according to DSWD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong.

Its deployment aims to strengthen communication capabilities in the province and speed up the collection of critical information, such as the number of affected families and the immediate relief needs in the area.

The MCC plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless coordination among response teams and facilitating timely delivery of assistance to affected communities.

“The DSWD regional office continues to coordinate with local government units in Southern Leyte and other provinces to assess the extent of damage and determine necessary augmentation support,” Subong said in a statement.

Typhoon Tino made its first landfall in Silago, Southern Leyte around 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

Earlier, the DSWD has dispatched a total of 2,500 family food boxes (FFBs) to several local government units in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces as part of its immediate response to the impact of Typhoon Tino.

In response to resource requests from local governments, the DSWD sent 500 FFBs to the town of Burauen in Leyte and 2,000 FFBs to the municipality of Sogod in Southern Leyte.

The food boxes are intended for individuals and families who may be affected by the typhoon’s onslaught.

As of Monday night, the DSWD field office reported that it has a total stockpile of 139,631 FFBs, 18,473 ready-to-eat foods, and 20,664 assorted non-food items prepositioned in various strategic areas across the region.

The agency said these prepositioned supplies ensure the timely and efficient delivery of assistance to affected families and communities during disaster operations. (PNA)