Manila, June 27 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Friday entered into an agreement to make ready-to-eat food (RTEF) packs available in seaports nationwide ahead of disasters.

In a ceremony at the Manila North Port, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago signed the agreement that will allow the DSWD to preposition the RTEF in PPA-managed facilities nationwide.

The collaboration will result in a faster and more efficient relief response when disasters strike and passengers get stranded in ports due to sea transport disruptions.

"This partnership with the DSWD is more than just about logistics -- it is about delivering immediate relief to the ...