MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has earmarked up to 160,000 food packs for the Bicol Region which was badly battered by Tropical Storm Kristine.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said they have around two million prepositioned family food packs around the country in case of emergencies.

"Sa Bicol area talagang naka-earmark doon may mga 160,000 family food packs," said Gatchalian in an interview on TV Patrol Express on Wednesday. "As we speak right now tuloy tuloy ang labas nyan."

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Gatchalian said he is coordinating with the  local government units regarding the distribution of goods.

"Kaninang umaga kausap ko si Naga City Mayor (Nelson) Legacion. Ang sabi nila talagang nakafocus pa sila sa rescue operations, pero soon when they are ready at standby sa mga warehouse sa area niya yung mga karadgadang food pack kapag kailangan nila. Kanina kausap ko naman si Vice Governor Glenda (Bongao) ng Albay, sabi niya pinauuna na niya ang mayors niya kasi medyo bumababa na ang tubig sa Albay gumaganda na ang kundisyon doon, kaya ang mga mayor nila kumukuna ng relief packs para sa region ng Albay. Kanina naman kausap naman namin si dating Gov. LRay Villafuerte at ang commtment namin ay yung 50,000 family food packs na naka preposition na sa Camarines Sur," he said.

Gatchalian said the DSWD will have to rely on the LGUs regarding distribution since they have the manpower and they are more familiar with their juridiction.

"Kasi kabisado na nila ang kanilang lugar, mas marami silang social workers on the ground  sila ang inaasahan namin in the last mile ng distribution patungo sa mga mamamayan nila," he explained.

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"Hindi sapat ang tao ng DSWD, wala kaming tao in all municipalities kaya ang usapan namin ng local goverment units yung last mile o yung distribution from our area to their constituents."

Gatchalian said that each food pack contains provision for a family of five for four days.

"Kasya yan para sa apat na araw. At sabi nga namin sa mga LGUs kapag naubos yun at wala nang from their local fund, pwede pa kaming magdagdag ulit," he said.