Marcos inspects 2 key facilities in Cebu

Local

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spent Thursday inspecting and inaugurating two government facilities in Cebu that aim to deliver aid faster and provide direct support to vulnerable communities.

In Mandaue City, he visited the upgraded Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC), and in Liloan, he inaugurated the Pag-Abot Processing Center for people living on the streets.

At VDRC, the President toured the P117-million Mechanized Production System (MPS), which can now produce up to 30,000 family food packs per eight-hour shift, more than triple its previous capacity of 5,000 to 8,000 packs per day.

“Ito ang unang panahon na ang national government ay nagbibigay nitong klaseng food pack. Noong nakaraan, eh kung saan-saan na lang kumukuha ‘yung mga biktima. Pero ngayon, nakakapag-provide na ang national government. Kaya maganda itong naging facility natin,” Marcos said.

The new system uses machine-operated vacuum sealing to extend the shelf life of food packs, keeping them infestation-free and ready for prepositioning in disaster-prone areas.

VDRC currently stores four million food packs, with production continuing until the total exceeds five million. Packs nearing expiration are distributed free to communities in need.

The upgraded facility has already supported disaster response operations, including fire emergencies and areas affected by volcanic activity.

The President noted that the five new mechanized production lines were designed specifically for the Philippines.

“So, patuloy lang ang production nito hanggang umabot ng mga 5 million, lampas ng 5 million. Pero malaking tulong itong pagkagawa. Ito, pinagawa pa natin, pina-design natin, itong mga machine na ito, para lang talaga sa Pilipinas,” he said.

VDRC complements the Luzon Disaster Resource Center in Pasay City.

A permanent Mindanao Disaster Resource Center is planned in Butuan City, while the government also maintains 17 mobile kitchens and 16 mobile command centers to provide hot meals and improve coordination during disasters nationwide.

Earlier in the day, in Liloan, Marcos inaugurated the Pag-Abot Processing Center, which provides health services, food, clothing, psychosocial and livelihood support, temporary housing, and family reintegration for people living on the streets.

The program, launched in 2023 and institutionalized in 2024, ensures beneficiaries’ inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other social protection initiatives.

DSWD records show more than 600 homeless individuals in Cebu are being assisted through the program.

During the tour, Marcos visited the clinic, processing areas for beneficiary assessment, profiling, and biometrics, clothing distribution, storage and laundry areas, kitchen and dining hall, administrative office, senior citizens’ room, isolation room, and prayer and activity areas.

He also inspected second-floor facilities, including child-minding and multipurpose areas, lactation room, house parents’ room, male, female, and family sleeping quarters, and communal bathrooms.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian briefed the President on the operations of both facilities.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco of Cebu’s 5th District, Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco, and Liloan Vice Mayor Margarita Frasco also joined the inspection.

The two visits highlight a dual approach by the national government: accelerating disaster preparedness and relief through mechanized food pack production, while addressing social welfare needs for individuals and families living on the streets.

Officials said the measures will improve the speed and efficiency of aid distribution and strengthen support for vulnerable populations across Cebu and the Visayas.(MyTVCebu)