The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released more than P223.4 million worth of humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, as relief operations continue across several regions.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency has already distributed around 303,000 family food packs containing rice, canned goods, and other essential supplies to affected families across at least four regions.
“We will continue this because based on the assessment of the DSWD, together with the local government units, we still need to assist those affected,” Dumlao said.
She added that more than 4.7 million family food packs remain on standby for further deployment as relief efforts expand to reach all affected areas, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
The agency said it is coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force, and other government units to ensure aid reaches even remote communities.
Based on data from the DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring, Information, and Communication (DROMIC), the earthquake has affected 340,330 families or about 1.4 million individuals across 540 barangays in Regions IX, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Authorities also reported widespread damage to infrastructure and housing, with 74,084 houses partially or totally damaged following the June 8 earthquake.
A total of 21,555 families, or 84,799 individuals, remain displaced. Of these, 4,882 families are staying in 46 evacuation centers, while 16,673 families are temporarily sheltered with relatives or friends.
The DSWD said relief operations will continue in coordination with local governments as recovery efforts shift from immediate response to sustained rehabilitation and support for affected communities.