The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Australian Government are set to launch a partnership project that will enhance the capacity of the DSWD in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.

The launch, which includes the groundbreaking for a new warehouse, will be held on December 3 at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell will lead the groundbreaking ceremonies, signifying the start of the construction of the warehouse. They are also expected to make the announcement on the new partnership and what the public can expect from it.

Other guests from partner agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other member-agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are expected to attend the ceremony.

The DPWH will take the lead in the construction of the warehouse, which is expected to be finished within the first semester of 2016.