The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday assured the public that all its disaster management and response teams from the Central Office and 16 field offices will be on standby for any incident that may require the agency’s immediate assistance during the observance of this year’s Holy Week or “Semana Santa.”

“As directed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, quick response teams of the Department will remain on standby the entire Holy Week, ready for deployment should any event necessitate their intervention,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said in a statement.

“We want nothing but a peaceful observance of the Holy Week. But of course, disasters, whether natural or human-induced, may happen anytime. With this, we assure the public that our resources can be tapped and delivered immediately when the need arises.”

She said they are closely coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and other concerned agencies to monitor weather systems that may affect the country in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Dumlao reminded the public to prioritize their safety, particularly those who join the rush to go home to their respective hometowns and provinces to spend this yearly tradition with their families.

“We are urging the public to stay safe, remain vigilant, and heighten awareness to avoid untoward incidents or emergencies,” she said. (PNA)