Social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office (FO) 10 – Northern Mindanao have extended psychosocial services and financial aid to the bereaved family of the couple who perished from the landslide in Bukidnon last October 18.

DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said psychosocial intervention was given a priority, as the agency recognizes the mental and emotional toil caused by the sudden demise of their family members.

“There is never an easy way to receive the news of your loved ones’ sudden death. Recognizing this weight, we really saw to it that our trained social workers can reach out with psychosocial support. Our social workers likewise condoled with the family and offered our prayers to them,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Tuesday (October 28).

Media reports said large portion of the Bukidnon–Davao City Road along Overview, Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon has collapsed following a landslide on October 18, prompting authorities to close the area temporarily.

The identified landslide casualties were a couple, both 60 years old, from Purok 9, Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon. They were swept together with their 3-wheeler trike when the highway crumbled. Their bodies were recovered after five days of search and retrieval operations.

To help with the funeral expenses, the DSWD’s Field Office 10 extended financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

The AICS is one of the social protection services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis.

The DSWD’s field office will continue coordinating with the family and with the concerned local government unit (LGU) for the provision of other appropriate services that they may need as they go through these difficult times. (LSJ)