The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD FO VI) announced a brief closure of its offices on April 2 and April 3, 2026, in observance of Holy Week, while raising the alert status of its Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC) to Blue to ensure preparedness across Western Visayas.
Regional Director Joselito Estember said the directive aims to maintain readiness during Semana Santa, emphasizing that “DSWD 6 ensures it will remain on standby and heighten preparedness throughout the Holy Week period.”
According to the advisory, DSWD FO VI offices will be closed on April 2 (Maundy Thursday) and April 3 (Good Friday). On April 1, offices will implement a work-from-home arrangement, except for essential units such as the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) teams, and satellite offices, which will continue delivering Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). Regular operations will resume on April 6.
The agency confirmed that its Disaster Response Team will remain on standby to ensure immediate response to any emergencies or disasters during the holiday period.
Meanwhile, the REOC alert level was elevated from White to Blue following a memorandum issued by Estember, in line with Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VI Memorandum No. 28, series of 2026. The order places the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) under Blue Alert status from March 31 to April 7, 2026.
Under the directive, all Quick Response Teams (QRTs) at the regional, provincial, city, and municipal levels are instructed to closely monitor their respective areas. Coordination with Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs) and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) is also required to ensure efficient disaster response and information flow.
Provincial Action Team (PAT) leaders have likewise been directed to ensure that all QRT members remain on call and ready for deployment or augmentation, should assistance be needed by local government units or affected communities within the region.
The memorandum further requires the submission of incident-related data, including initial reports and Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) reports, to the Disaster Response Information Management Section (DRIMS) for proper documentation and monitoring.
DSWD FO VI said these measures are part of its continuing efforts to safeguard communities and provide timely assistance during the Holy Week period, when increased travel and public gatherings may heighten risks. The agency expressed appreciation for public understanding and cooperation as it implements adjusted operations while maintaining essential services and emergency preparedness.
Regular office operations will officially resume on April 6, 2026, following the Holy Week observance. (Leo Solinap)