By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines has provided Community Kitchen Kits to the municipal governments of Dinagat Islands as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve emergency response operations across the province, according to a post of Dinagat Islands Public Information Office.
The turnover aims to equip local government units (LGUs) with ready-to-deploy cooking facilities that can be used during disasters when homes and community kitchens are damaged or rendered inaccessible. Each kit includes large-capacity rice cookers and other essential cooking equipment intended to support food preparation for affected communities during emergencies.
WFP said the initiative, dubbed “Community Kitchen Kits: A Localized Kitchen Solution in Emergencies,” supports local resilience by providing practical resources that allow communities to respond quickly to immediate food needs during crisis situations.
The WFP delegation conducted a courtesy visit to the Office of the Provincial Governor of Dinagat Islands, where it was received by Provincial Information Officer and Executive Chief of Staff Atty. Niel Edward Demerey, highlighting the continuing partnership between the organization and the provincial government.
The turnover was attended by municipal officials, including San Jose Mayor Ruben J. Zuniega, Tubajon Mayor Simplicia P. Pedrablanca, Basilisa Vice Mayor Manuelito N. Piodo Jr., Dinagat Vice Mayor Jonathan M. Edillor, and San Jose Vice Mayor Richard Pasquil, along with representatives from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs).
Representatives present included Basilisa MDRRMO Regine M. Tangal, Cagdianao MDRRMO Jinelyn S. Monsanto, Dinagat MDRRMO Preachy Dino P. Gloria, Libjo MDRRMO-Designate Dexter Llamera, Loreto MDRRMO Joy B. Conales, Tubajon MDRRMO Benjiemen T. Vargas, and San Jose MDRRMO Mhelgrace P. Edradan.
The activity was led by WFP Emergency Officer Hannes Goegelle and WFP Programme Associate Divine Bandola, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), represented by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Zenaida Lerma Z. Escopete, together with Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Rosario Jra. R. Alon and Sangguniang Panlalawigan MemberLeolexes B. Durano.
Goegelle reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to working with local governments in strengthening preparedness measures and protecting vulnerable populations during disasters.
Durano, representing the Provincial Government and the PDRRM Council, expressed appreciation for WFP’s continued assistance in advancing disaster risk reduction programs, capacity-building initiatives, and emergency response efforts in Dinagat Islands.
He said the partnership contributes to a more coordinated and inclusive disaster management system, helping ensure that communities receive timely support when emergencies occur.
Through the Community Kitchen Kits, WFP and its local partners aim to enhance the province’s ability to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and build more resilient communities in the face of future disasters.
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