Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the urgent need for a permanent and bigger warehouse dedicated to storing relief goods to address food security concerns during calamities.
The local chief executive, on September 16, highlighted the importance of having a stable storage facility managed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
“We need a permanent area for our warehouse for the CSWDO to store food, non-food items, and other necessities of the city,” Treñas stated.
“We noticed that when we started using the warehouse for our supplies, we always had enough and even had extra because of efficient management,” he added.
The mayor also pointed out the logistical advantages of having a centralized warehouse.
“Since it is inside the warehouse, the departments can easily request the necessities and it can be delivered to them,” he stressed.
Currently, the CSWDO utilizes the covered gym in Barangay San Pedro, Molo as a temporary storage area for emergency supplies.
However, Mayor Treñas has already instructed his team to identify and assess potential sites for a permanent warehouse.
The locations under consideration include the land near the Iloilo City Action Group (ICAG) building in Molo and the city lot at Fort San Pedro.
As of September 17, 2024, the CSWDO continues its efforts in onsite validation, interviews, and food distribution.
The recent weather disturbances have significantly impacted several households, with two houses in Barangay North Baluarte, Molo, three houses in San Juan, and one house in Boulevard, Molo, which were totally damaged.
Four families have been relocated to evacuation centers to ensure their safety. (Janelle Marie Belarde/PIO-GIP)