The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region IX clarifies today that there is no anomaly in the repacking of relief goods for the victims of armed conflict in Zamboanga City.

 The Department made this clarification after seeing the issue “Dagdag Bawas sa DSWD”  on Facebook.  The facebook post was accompanied by photos showing the label of a relief pack as containing10 kilos rice, 12 pieces noodles, 8 sardines, 12 pouches coffee, and 4 tins meatloaf. The post added that there is “dagdag-bawas” during the repacking of goods because the actual goods being distributed do not contain those items indicated on the label.

 DSWD Region IX Director Zenaida Arevalo said that  there was no “dagdag- bawas”  in the relief packs. The relief packs came from DSWD Region XI as augmentation assistance to Zamboanga evacuees.

“We would like to clarify that in an effort to save on cost, the goods for the Zamboanga evacuees were repacked by Region XI using the extra plastic bags for relief items for victims of typhoon Pablo. In good faith, DSWD Region XI did not erase the label on the plastic bags,” Director Arevalo said.

 Director Arevalo further explained that the  DSWD abides by the  standard content of a family food pack for each family-evacuee. A family food pack contains the following items: 3 kilos rice, 6 tins sardines/corned beef and noodles.  The items may vary according to the availability of goods but DSWD ensures that one family pack costs P250.00.

 “With this unforeseen development,  the management is looking into the possibility of replacing the plastic bags to prevent further misconceptions,” Director Arevalo pointed out.

 “We thank the public for bringing this matter to our attention,” Director Arevalo added.###