THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was placed on blue alert as Tropical Depression Ada approached the Philippines. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said blue alert is the second level in the agency’s storm preparedness system, during which emergency measures are actively implemented. “The entire DSWD, including our Field Offices, is continuously preparing and coordinating with the local governments along the path of Tropical Depression Ada,” Dumlao said.​ She said more than 2.7 million family food packs have been pre-positioned nationwide for immediate distribution to affected communities. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Ada could intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours as it moves across the Bicol Region (Region 5), Eastern Visayas (Region 8) and parts of the Caraga Region (Region 13). Dumlao said the DSWD is coordinating with port authorities and local government units to provide food to stranded passengers if necessary. DSWD’s disaster response assets, including mobile kitchens, water stations, vehicles and command centers, are standing by for deployment to affected areas.