DSWD Warns Public Against Repacking Of Government Relief

Following a report that relief goods marked with the agency’s name are being repacked in a city in Central Luzon, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman stressed that it is illegal to do so and perpetrators may be charged administratively.

“One of the reasons why we improved our packing of relief goods from plastic bags to sealed boxes is to ensure that every pack has the right amount of rice and number of canned goods. The boxes should be directly distributed by local government units (LGUs) to the beneficiaries,” Soliman said.

A standard DSWD relief pack contains six kilos of rice; eight tins of sardines, corned beef or meatloaf; and, coffee and creamer. It can sustain a family of five to six members for two to three days.

Soliman emphasized that LGUs need not repack the goods in order to extend their supply. Should they need more, they can request for additional supplies from the DSWD Field Office in their region.

In cases where the boxes get wet, Soliman said, “LGUs should inform us about the condition of the boxes so that we can provide them with new items as replacements. They should not sort or repack.”

She said that delivery of relief supplies continues in some areas affected by Typhoon Nona since there are still families staying in evacuation centers. (DSWD)