FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo led the inauguration of the new DSWD warehouse in Barangay Bacong, San Luis,l Aurora last October 17, 2023 as Army units in the locality were activated for disaster preparedness in support to DSWD’s mandate.
Present during the said inauguration are Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante, Assistant Division Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division(7ID) Philippine Army, soldiers from 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB) under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Julito B Recto, the 91IB Commander, Aurora representative Cong. Rommel Rico Angara, various local officials of Aurora province and representatives from different government agencies.
The expansion and improvement of the 3-storey office-warehouse with roof deck is worth Php55,558,178.88 including other facilities in an 800 square meters of land donated by the local government unit of San Luis.
Secretary Tulfo emphasized that the construction of the infrastructure project is one of the priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that is to have a DSWD warehouse in every province or if possible in every town. Tulfo also assured the local officials that the warehouse will have ample stock of food and non-food aid for the people of Aurora in case of calamity.
On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto Jr, commander of 91st IB said, “The 91st IB will always be ready to collaborate with the DSWD for better disaster response in order to strengthen the government efforts in ensuring the immediate assistance to our people especially in bringing relief items to affected communities before, during and after disaster”. Recto said that the 91IB can also be utilized to assist other agencies in delivering much needed government services.
Moreover, Major General Andrew D Costelo, Commander of 7ID recognized the DSWD’s earnest efforts in helping the community and emphasized the collaboration, teamwork and sacrifices of soldiers and social workers for the people of Aurora and other places frequented by calamities
“It is our social responsibility for our communities to be able to bring much needed services in times when our people need them most. Your soldiers are ready to assist to be able to fast track the delivery of basic services of our government,” Costelo added.
