DSWD denies giving out ‘expired’ relief goods in Northern Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 4 (PNA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has denied that they are the source of expired relief goods distributed to victims of typhoon "Nona" in this town.

Nida Getalado, DSWD social development team leader for disaster operations in Northern Samar, said their agency have been checking expiration dates of relief goods prior to distribution.

“We always give the best for typhoon victims through regular checking of expiration dates and quality of goods, including those donations coursed through the DSWD before their distribution,’ Getalado said.

“Our office continues to improve storage facility and distribution system of relief goods to ensure food safety,” Getalado added.

However, according to Getalado, there are private organizations who directly distribute goods to recipients or to the local government units, which could be the source of the reported expired goods.

DSWD promised to check the report and make sure that those responsible are held accountable.

The DSWD issued the clarification after residents of Baybay village, this town reported over the weekend that some noodles they received have an expiration dates of May 15, 2015 and Nov. 22, 2015.

Typhoon victims allegedly received these food packs from the DSWD, which consists of rice, noodles, canned goods and coffee.

Despite this issue, Getalado assured the government's commitment to assist typhoon victims.

“We are hoping that by this first week of January, everything will be ready. Relief goods and shelter kits needed will be distributed,” Getalado said.

The Northern Samar provincial government has already provided food packs and tarpaulins to villages, prioritizing families without stable source of income.

The Official death toll from typhoon Nona stood at 12. Casualties are from the towns of Allen, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Catarman, San Roque and Victoria in Northern Samar.

Data from the PDRRMC showed that 114,200 families in 24 towns in Northern Samar have been displaced by the typhoon. (PNA)
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