The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed cash assistance to displaced workers affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in General Santos City on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Thousands of mall workers who have yet to return to work after their workplaces were damaged received assistance on the second day of the DSWD’s emergency cash transfer payout at the Oval Plaza.

A total of 4,241 individuals are set to receive cash assistance amounting to P5,175 each.

DSWD said the emergency cash transfer payout will continue until Friday, July 10.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency will also focus on building shelters for victims who are still in evacuation centers.

“Tayo naman ang layunin natin ang matulungan ang department of housing na matulungan ang  mga mamamayan natin na  makabalik na sa kanilang tahanan .  alam natin bawat lugar iba-iba kasi ang sitwasyon,” Gatchalian said.

The allocated funds will also continue to be used for recovery and relief efforts.

However, some residents in the city have reportedly started slowly rebuilding their homes.

“Naa naay nakita nga hinay-hinay na nagatukod sa ilang mga panimalay  kay natagad naman ang support sa atung gobyerno  from national government  to local,” Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao said.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian led the turnover of P300,000 in funding to the Strong Thread Proper SLP Association.

The group is a beneficiary of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which aims to help sustain the production of sewn products in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

“Malaking tulong talaga sa kabuhayan namin sa paggawa ng bawat isa sa pamilya namin…para sa mga bag, polo,” Strong Thread Proper SLP Association President, Janina Diomana, said.