DSWD Secretary Gatchalian Confirms Ongoing Support for Mindanao Earthquake Victims; Over PHP39 Million in Aid Distributed

Sarangani, Mindanao — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian affirmed continued support for the earthquake victims in Mindanao during a visit on Sunday. Gatchalian oversaw the distribution of disaster assistance in Malapatan and Glan, municipalities of Sarangani province, struck by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance includes an ongoing supply of food packs for the local government units affected by the quake. He emphasized the commitment to unobstructed aid delivery through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The DSWD Field Office is set to complete additional provisions by December 15. This initiative was discussed in a meeting with Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao and other local officials.

The meeting also explored further government aid for those whose homes were severely damaged in the November 17 earthquake, which affected various parts of Mindanao. In addition to AICS, the DSWD plans to roll out the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program in January for additional financial support.

Following the meeting, Gatchalian led the distribution of AICS payouts to 1,600 beneficiaries in Malapatan and Glan. Families with completely destroyed homes received PHP10,000 each, while those with partially damaged homes were given PHP5,000 each. Moreover, the DSWD Field Office Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) provided two family food packs and a kitchen kit to each beneficiary.

The DSWD has provided over PHP39 million in assistance to the affected families to date. This sum includes more than PHP18 million in food and non-food items and over PHP20 million in financial aid distributed across the Davao and Soccsksargen regions.