DSWD: Over P11M assistance distributed to Mindanao quake victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said it has distributed over P11 million worth of assistance to the families affected by the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Friday. 

Around 1,1015 beneficiaries received food packs in the municipalities of Don Marcelino and Sarangani in Davao Occidental while some 2,800 food boxes were distributed in the town of Glan, and General Santos City in Sarangani. 

Financial assistance was likewise provided to around 2,317 residents from the towns of Glen and Malapatan, and General Santos City. 

“The DSWD remains steadfast in our mission to provide timely and efficient assistance to communities affected by the earthquake,” DSWD Spokesperson Romel Lopez said in a statement. 

“Food packs and other essential items have been strategically prepositioned and are ready for immediate distribution,” he said. 

Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed the reported fatalities from the magnitude 6.8 quake reached nine. Of them, eight were in Soccsksargen and one in the Davao Region.

At least 15 individuals were also reported injured.

A total of 12,885 people or 2,489 families in 43 barangays in Soccsksargen and Davao were affected by the earthquake. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday (PH time) tasked Philippine government officials to ensure that relief efforts for the victims of the earthquake will not be hampered. 

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday said it has deployed a total of 1,800 emergency personnel to assist earthquake victims in the Davao Region.

The DILG said all of its attached agencies have been instructed to provide help in affected areas.—RF, GMA Integrated News