P5.1-M worth of aid distributed to quake-hit families in Mindanao

As part of its ongoing disaster response efforts to assist families affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Davao Occidental, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far distributed at least P5.1 million in interventions to those in Southern and Central Mindanao.

In a statement on Sunday, Nov. 19, the DSWD, through its Field Office in Soccsksargen (Region 12), said it provided 6,500 family food packs to General Santos City and Sarangani province.

Six bereaved families who lost loved ones in the tremor were also given cash assistance worth P10,000 each.

Likewise, the DSWD Field Office 11 in the Davao Region enhanced 1,000 food packs to Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental.

Based on the DSWD’s report, the earthquake affected 951 families, or 1,229 persons, in 25 barangays.

In the provinces of Davao Occidental, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, there were 22 completely damaged houses and 48 partially damaged houses.

DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said the department is constantly coordinating with concerned local government units (LGUs) for updates and necessary interventions.

“We assure the public that the DSWD is on top of the situation and our communication lines are always open for augmentation requests from LGUs affected by the tremor,” he said.

The DSWD has approximately P2.8 billion in standby and stockpile funds ready for disaster response operations.