DSWD readies aid to earthquake victims in Mindanao

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been placed on high alert following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit parts of Southern Mindanao on Friday.

According to a statement, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured assistance to the victims, especially in hard-hit areas.

The DSWD-Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) has also been alerted to provide all essential and necessary aid to affected communities.

“The department has adequate stockpiles and standby funds to assist our kababayan in Mindanao. Currently, we have P29.16 million Quick Response Fund (QRF) at the DSWD Central Office, Php14.2 million available at DSWD Field Offices 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), and 12  (SOCCSKSARGEN),” said DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez.

“We also have P65.9 million standby funds available in DSWD FOs which may support the relief needs of the families affected by the effects of the quake through inter-FO augmentation,” he added.

DSWD Field Offices in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCKSARGEN and other affected areas have a total of 140,579 family food packs available for access. 

Meanwhile, the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list said they have facilitated the release of P20 million worth of assistance to the quake victims, while 5,000 food packs are now being prepared as initial support for the two congressional districts affected by the earthquake.

Construction materials are also being readied for distribution to help residents repair and rebuild their homes damaged by the earthquake.—LDF, GMA Integrated News