Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian spearheaded today, March 9, the distribution of financial aid and relief assistance to the families and individuals affected by the 5.3 and 5.9-magnitude earthquakes that jolted Davao de Oro on March 6 and 7, 2023, respectively.

The earthquake-hit families were provided with family food packs (FFPs) and other non-food items (NFIs), and financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

In his message during the relief distribution, Secretary Gatchalian assured the continuous provision of relief assistance to the displaced families inside and outside evacuation centers. The Secretary, likewise assured the families and the local government of the Department’s support until such time that their lives have been restored to normalcy.

The Secretary, together with Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Diana Rose S. Cajipe, also visited the province to monitor and assess situations in the evacuation centers and houses of the affected families, and to determine further needs for relief and possible early recovery support.

As of press time, the Department has extended ₱6,243,150.00 worth of food and non-food items to the affected families in the Davao Region.

The DSWD has recorded 2,310 families or 11,228 persons affected by the incident in the 16 barangays in Davao de Oro.

The DSWD has a total of ₱704.46 million Quick Response Fund (QRF) at the DSWD Central Office and ₱5 million available at DSWD FO XI; 60,847 FFPs worth ₱53,433,401.52; and ₱19,201,276.44 worth of other food and NFIs.

The Department will continue to coordinate with the LGUs to ensure that necessary assistance is immediately provided to affected families and individuals. ###