DSWD’s Quick Response Teams deployed in Sarangani; food assistance underway for earthquake-hit families
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in evacuation sites in Sarangani province, providing immediate assistance to families affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck on Monday (June 8).
In a Facebook post, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Department’s regional Field Offices immediately mobilized relief goods and support to affected areas in coordination with local government units (LGUs).
“Agad na nagpadala ang ating DSWD Field Office 12 ng 1,500 Family Food Packs at 5 family tents para sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng lindol sa General Santos City. Patuloy tayong nakaantabay at nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak ang mabilis na paghahatid ng tulong sa mga apektadong komunidad,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) confirmed that QRTs are actively conducting profiling and delivering assistance on the ground.
“Our QRT is currently at the evacuation site and is conducting profiling activities covering 139 families or 1,039 individuals. Distribution of food packs is ongoing, along with the provision of hot meals to affected families,” Undersecretary Cajipe said.
The DRMG chief added that coordination efforts are also ongoing with local officials for validation and assessment of affected areas.
“I have already spoken with Mayor De Arce, who is currently coordinating efforts to establish contact with the island’s 11 barangays for further validation and assessment of the situation,” Undersecretary Cajipe said.
Based on the 2:00 p.m. report from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), 16 individuals have been confirmed dead, 12 missing, while 129 others have been injured due to the earthquake.
The DSWD’s Field Office (FO) 11 (Davao Region) and 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) remain on heightened alert and are closely coordinating with concerned government agencies and LGUs to ensure sustained response operations.
The DSWD-FO 12’s Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) also conducted a courtesy and coordination meeting with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of General Santos City, together with other local officials.
The DSWD reaffirms its commitment to deliver immediate assistance and ensure continuous support to affected families as response operations continue. (CC)