DAVAO CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed its field offices in Mindanao on high alert following a significant earthquake in the region. Secretary Rex Gatchalian issued immediate directives on Friday to assist local government units potentially impacted by the seismic event.
According to Philippines News Agency, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck 30 kilometers off Sarangani in Davao Occidental at 4:14 p.m., with tremors felt in nearby provinces including South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, and Sultan Kudarat. The DSWD-Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) has been mobilized to provide essential aid promptly. The latest report from the DRMG indicates that PHP1.43 billion worth of food and non-food items are ready for deployment. DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, in a news release, confirmed the availability of PHP29.16 million in Quick Response Funds at the DSWD Central Office and additional funds across various DSWD Field Offices in Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, and Soccsksargen. Furthermore, the department has prepositioned 140,579 family food packs and other relief items in Northern Mindanao, the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and other areas potentially affected by the earthquake.