Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured that government assistance is sufficient for those affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Davao Occidental, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach.

Gatchalian visited Malita town and inspected the relief items stored in the warehouse for residents affected by the powerful tremor.

He also met with local officials to discuss what else the province needs, particularly relief assistance for far-flung villages that are hard to reach due to damaged roads caused by the quake.

At least 16,000 families were affected in the province, which is the most severely hit in the Davao Region. In the while region, 19,000 families were affected.

"Food-wise, they are okay. Bagama't may mga isolated na lugar na hindi pa naaabot, don't worry, naaabot na dahan-dahan dahil the roads are clearing up already. We will make sure na lahat ng supply tuloy-tuloy,” Gatchalian said.

The agency also fast-tracked the processing of the list of damaged houses so that emergency cash transfer can start.

"Yung emergency cash transfer, ang goal namin the soonest. Sana mag-start by next saturday, o latest na siguro ang two mondays from now,” Gatchalian added.

One of the concerns of the provincial government is the water buildup in Barangay Isidro, Jose Abad Santos, which was caused by a landslide that blocked the river.

“We are trying to arrange with DPWH kasi… sasabihan ang mga tao… siguro lagyan ng outlet… transfer the people who are there to a safer area para kung mag-burst ang tubig, hindi sila maapektuhan,” Davao Occidental Governor Franklin Bautista said.

Gatchalian said he will relay the concern to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to expedite the response.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has allocated a total of P273 million for the local government units (LGUs) affected.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced this during his visit in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

“Meron din maggaling din sa Office of the President, 278 million for the local governments who have been hit hard by the earthquake. So, Sarangani and GenSan will receive 50 million. South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat 30 million. Davao Occidental and Glan, 20 million each. Zamboanga will 15 million,” Marcos said.

(With reports from Rgil Relator, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)