As government relief efforts reeled out its fifth day of operation on Thursday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepared to shift to recovery efforts through a food-for-work program for victims of tropical storm “Ondoy”.

DSWD Program Management Bureau Assistant Director Restituto Macuto said the provision of food and basic needs for victims sheltered at some 200 evacuation centers in Central and Southern Luzon is only a three- to five-day phase.

“We have ready funds for recovery efforts. Hindi naman pang-habang buhay nandyan ang evacuation center. Mga eskwelahan po ito na gagamitin ng ating mga estudyante. But it doesn’t mean mapuputol ang suporta ng gobyerno. Magsi-shift lang tayo,” said Macuto.

He said that under the DSWD program, victims of calamities, such as the devastation wrought by Ondoy, would have to leave the evacuation centers after five days and return to their homes “to pick up the pieces”.

Transparency International-Philippines Executive Director Corazon Alma de Leon, a former DSWD secretary, said this phase of the government humanitarian program is important for victims of tragedies to accept and cope with their situation.

“It’s important that they regain control of their lives. They cannot be victims forever. Ang dapat gawin ng gobyerno is make sure that it provides opportunities for victims to rise up again. Importante yung assistance kasi yung iba riyan walang wala nang bahay at kabuhayang babalikan,” De Leon said.

Macuto said the recovery phase of the DSWD program encourages displaced victims to help themselves return to their normal lives by working together to restore living conditions in their communities.

“Pag-alis nila sa evacuation center, magpo-provide po tayo for five days ng pagkain at mga kagamitan nila. Para itong food-for-work program. They have to return to their homes and clean up their communities,” he said.