The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Cordillera on Monday evening reported that it has stockpiled 87,705 food and non-food relief items as Tropical Storm Kristine threatens the country’s northern region.

In a report, the DSWD-Cordillera said they have on stockpile 62,313 family food packs, including 7,470 in Abra; 2,798 in Apayao; 1,184 in the Mountain Province; 6,435 in Kalinga; 1,591 in Ifugao; and 25,015 in Benguet.

About 17,820 family food packs are also prepositioned in DSWD-accredited warehouses managed by local government units across the region.

The department said 25,392 non-food items are ready for distribution aside from a standby quick response fund of PHP2.9 million.

It has also ordered the inventory and monitoring of evacuation centers to ensure the availability of areas in case of pre-emptive evacuation.

On Monday, the Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) placed the region on red alert and adopted the highest level of emergency preparedness and response protocols to ensure maximum, timely, and responsive monitoring, warning, coordination, and interoperability of preparedness and response for the effects of Kristine.

According to the weather bureau, Kristine is projected to move northwestward and pass the region by Wednesday or Thursday.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has also identified as hazard areas 30 villages in Abra, 123 in Apayao, 256 in Benguet, 116 in Ifugao, 91 in Kalinga, and 92 in Mountain Province.

The city government of Baguio has ordered the suspension of garbage collection and advised residents not to bring out their garbage starting Thursday to prevent it from clogging the drainage. (PNA)