The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over P11 million worth of assistance to the families affected by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao.
In a statement on Monday, Nov. 20, the DSWD, through its Field Office in Davao (Region 11), said it distributed 1,015 family food packs (FFPs) to the affected families in the municipalities of Don Marcelino and Sarangani in Davao Occidental.
The DSWD Field Office in Soccsksargen (Region 12) also extended support by providing 8,200 food boxes to the provincial government of Sarangani, the municipality of Glan, and General Santos City.
"The department also extended cash aid to address urgent needs," said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez.
Based on the DSWD's latest report, 2,317 beneficiaries from General Santos City and the municipalities of Glan and Malapatan in Sarangani received cash assistance.
The department recorded 3,587 families or more than 15,700 individuals affected by the earthquake from 42 barangays in Davao Occidental, Sarangani, and South Cotabato provinces.
Meanwhile, Lopez ensured that food packs and essential items were strategically prepositioned for immediate distribution.
Moreover, the DSWD said its department maintains more than P2.8 billion in standby funds and a stockpile of resources from both central and field offices.