Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed social workers known as “angels in red vests” to provide grief counseling to the families of survivors of the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro, on Feb. 6.

Social workers have paid special attention to the three-year-old girl who miraculously survived after being buried in the mud for two days.

They are currently monitoring the child’s condition at the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City.

Gatchalian also directed DSWD-Field Office 11 (Davao Region) Regional Director Vanessa Goc-Ong to deploy social workers to provide grief counseling to families whose loved ones have been declared deceased, as well as those whose family members or relatives are still missing.

On President Marcos’ orders, the DSWD chief flew to Davao Region on Feb. 11 to check on the condition of the Maco landslide survivors, condole with bereaved families, and provide them with any assistance they needed.

Gatchalian assured that all those affected by the landslide and flooding caused by rain-inducing weather systems would receive all necessary assistance from the DSWD and other government agencies.

He added that the DSWD is constantly consulting and coordinating with local government units because local executives can determine which barangays are most affected by disasters.