Senate President Chiz Escudero highlighted the need to amend the charter of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to improve the response and assistance to disaster victims in the country.
During a visit to the Senate by Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and former senator Richard Gordon, the leaders discussed the crucial role of the Red Cross in disaster response and its current efforts in donating blood to government hospitals.
Escudero emphasized that the Senate is considering amending the DSWD charter to facilitate donations from individuals and organizations during calamities.
“We are looking at amending the DSWD charter to make it easier for people and organizations such as yours to donate during calamities and disasters,” Escudero said.
He noted that relief goods have sometimes not arrived on time due to existing procedures and requirements, which the amendments aim to streamline.
“There were instances in the past that relief goods did not arrive on time due to current procedures and requirements,” he pointed out.
Forbes agreed and pointed out that a 2023 study showed the Philippines has the highest risk of natural disasters.
Forbes agreed, emphasizing the Red Cross team’s commitment and the need for effective disaster preparedness and response.
READ: DSWD ENHANCES DISASTER RESPONSE THRU NEW MOBILE COMMAND CENTER\