Sultan kudarat: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Field Office 12 (Soccsksargen) has activated its quick response teams (QRT) following a magnitude 5.7 earthquake that struck Kalamansig town in Sultan Kudarat around 1:05 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated that the quick response teams are prepared for immediate deployment. The DSWD Soccsksargen has begun distributing family food packs in coordination with local government units and is actively assessing earthquake damage.

The field office, in collaboration with the local government unit (LGU), has distributed family food packs (FFPs) to evacuees temporarily residing in barangay Salaman in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat. Initial assessments indicate no major damage to houses and public facilities, but continuous monitoring is in place to ensure safety and address emerging needs.

Dumlao emphasized that these actions are part of the ongoing disaster response of the DSWD and align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure organized and responsive government assistance to disaster-affected communities.

The DSWD spokesperson urged the public to stay vigilant and adhere to advisories, especially in areas prone to aftershocks and related hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, and potential tsunami or flooding in coastal and low-lying areas.

The DSWD remains committed to sustaining coordination with local government units to ensure the continued delivery of assistance and protection of communities affected by natural disasters.