Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has so far provided over PHP21.37 million in humanitarian aid to families and individuals affected by the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani province and other areas in Mindanao on June 8. As of 6 a.m. on Wednesday, the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) reported that 15,930 family food packs (FFPs), more than 4,000 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, and other non-food items had been distributed to affected families.

According to Philippines News Agency, Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) stated that the Department continues its disaster relief operations and is utilizing all resources to assist all affected families and individuals. Lanada emphasized the directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that no one is left unaided, as relayed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian and the entire DSWD.

As of press time, PHP4.76 million in cash aid under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) has been distributed to injured patients, bereaved families, and other affected individuals. Mobile Command Centers of the DSWD's Field Offices in Zamboanga Peninsula (FO 9), Davao Region (FO 11), and Soccsksargen (FO 12) were also deployed on the ground to provide uninterrupted critical information, power supply, and internet connectivity in affected areas.

Nutritious hot meals are also being served through FO 12's mobile kitchen. Currently, the DSWD maintains PHP839.43 million in standby funds and more than 4.8 million FFPs prepositioned in different warehouses nationwide.