The Philippine government decided on Saturday, November 16, to turn Cebu into the hub of relief efforts for the victims and survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, better known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan.

In an Emergency Interagency Meeting convened by Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras, it was decided that Lt Gen Roy Deveraturda of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will supervise the Cebu hub as a center of international operations; packing and repacking center for food; and relocation center for persons evacuating from the areas affected by the typhoon. Any new offers of assistance from government and non-government organizations, as well as their means of delivery, should be directed not to Manila but to the hub in Cebu, which will decide the ultimate destination and recipients. Arrangements made prior to this decision may continue in accordance with the terms agreed upon between the Philippine government and the international donor. Parties overseas who wish to ship in-kind assistance and do not have pre-determined recipients are requested to direct them to Cebu to the following address: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) (Attn: Typhoon Yolanda Relief) DSWD Field Office VIII Maxillom Avenue Cebu City, Philippines