DSWD mobilizes field offices to assist quake-hit LGUs
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed its field offices, especially in Central Visayas (Region 7), to intensify coordination with the earthquake-affected local government units (LGUs) for the provision of resource augmentation.
“Our disaster quick response teams (QRTs) at the central and field offices are on alert and have already reached out to the LGUs to assist the affected families. We know that our fellow Filipinos who had been affected are in need of urgent assistance,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck at 9:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, with an epicenter located 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu.
The DSWD chief reiterated that the agency has enough stockpiles of food and non-food relief supplies, as well as standby funds, that can be readily used to augment the resources of the affected LGUs.
Currently, the DSWD maintains ₱379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs prepositioned nationwide.
The Visayas Disaster Response Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City is also continuously producing food packs daily to ensure the replenishment of supplies.
Aside from the provision of resource augmentation, DSWD will also assist the LGUs in ensuring that the affected families are evacuated to safe places and given the necessary assistance.
“Yesterday, we are already on alert as we are preparing for an approaching low pressure area,” Gatchalian said.
“Disaster operations for [typhoon] Opong are still ongoing, so our DSWD QRTs had already been on high alert. We will ensure that all hands are on deck to help with the victims of the earthquake,” he added.
DSWD’s field offices in areas also affected by the earthquake are likewise monitoring and coordinating with their respective LGUs for possible assistance.
“We want to say to the affected families and individuals that we are one with you. We assure you of our assistance and help in this time of great need,” Gatchalian said.