The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured continuous government assistance for families affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Davao Occidental, saying support will extend until full recovery is achieved.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said aid will not be limited to immediate relief, but will continue through the recovery phase in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Hindi ito one shot deal. Tuluy-tuloy ang assistance hanggang makabangon ang mga pamilya,” Sec. Gatchalian said during his visit to Davao Occidental on Saturday.
He said the agency is preparing the rollout of Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) to help affected families repair damaged homes and address urgent needs ahead of the rainy season, with initial payouts targeted within the coming days to two weeks pending final validation of beneficiary lists from local governments.
The DSWD chief said cash assistance will complement ongoing distribution of family food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and non-food relief items already provided to affected communities.
Sec. Gatchalian met with Davao Occidental Governor Franklin Bautista, Vice Governor Lorna Bautista-Bandigan, and other local officials to assess damage and coordinate the next phase of response operations.
He said the government is prepared to scale up assistance depending on continuing assessments, noting that recovery support may be implemented in phases.
“Ang emergency cash transfer can be done in waves. Kung kailangan pa ng additional recovery efforts, babalik kami at tutulong ulit,” he said.
Based on the latest DROMIC report, the DSWD has already released over ₱24 million in food and non-food assistance in the Davao Region, including family food packs, ready-to-eat food, tents, hygiene kits, and other essential items.
Sec. Gatchalian also reiterated that the agency remains ready to mobilize additional resources as needed under the directive of the President to ensure swift and sustained disaster response.