President Arroyo has ordered the exemption of donations to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for victims of tropical storm “Ondoy” from all duties and taxes.

DSWD Secretary Cabral said the directive of President Arroyo is a welcome development in the Department’s relief operations for storm victims.

“With the massive devastation brought about by tropical storm “Ondoy,” we need to muster all support from various sectors so that we can deliver the needed services for the victims,” Cabral said.

President Arroyo directed the Department of Finance (DoF) to exempt donations to the DSWD from overseas individuals or organizations for victims of typhoon from all duties and taxes.

The instruction also stated that donated goods and commodities must be consigned to the DSWD.

Included in the list of tax and duty-free goods and commodities that are needed by the disaster victims are rice, beans and other dry rations, ready to eat meals, and canned meats or fish.

Non-food goods that are tax and duty-free are beddings, kitchen and eating utensils, items of personal hygiene such as bath soap and toothpaste, emergency and life-saving equipments and supplies, power supplies, water purification equipment, among others.

“We are now coordinating with the Department of Finance to facilitate the entry of foreign donations intended for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy,” Cabral said.

The DSWD chief also thanked the volunteers who continue to flock to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City to help in the repacking of donated relief goods for victims of tropical storm “Ondoy.”

“NROC has become the meeting place of the rich, young professionals and ordinary folks who want to help in any way they can. I commend the volunteers because through their help, we were able to hasten the provision of assistance to the victims of typhoon,” Cabral said.

She cited the help of Southern Leyte Gov. Rosette Lerias who helped in the repacking of goods.