DSWD 7: Food OK, Evacuees Need Money for Boat Fare

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 assured the public that the evacuees, especially in Guadalupe gymnasium have complete meals sponsored by private individuals.

“All meals have sponsors until December 1. So, there is nothing to worry about that. If there are those who want to donate food, they better coordinate with us first para di masayang,” said Necy Balanza, nutritionist of DSWD7. Balanza is in charge of the evacuees coming from Leyte and Ormoc now housed in Guadalupe gym.

Balanza said some donors would call them to ask if they could sponsor the food of the evacuees, some would just come to the gym with their cooked meals.

Balanza said although they don’t reject donations, they still advise the public to call them ahead before coming to the gym. However, if there is duplication of meals, the second set is brought to other evacuation center, she said. There are at least six evacuation centers in Cebu City alone.

Balanza said there are a few occasions when she sometimes asks donors to give other items instead of meals. As of last weekend, Balanza said the most immediate need of the evacuees is money for boat tickets.

She said of the 11 families in Guadalupe gym, some of them wanted to go to their relatives in Manila, while some in Mindanao.

“Kung naay manawag diri mangutana kung pwede sila makahatud og pagkaon, akong ingnun nga kung wap-a sila kapangumpra, mahimo na nga i-sponsor nalang nila ang pamlite sa mga evacuees,” Balanza shared.