Sultan kudarat: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office 12 (Soccsksargen), has set up family tents to serve as temporary shelter for families displaced by the series of earthquakes that struck the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) reported that the department installed additional family tents in Kalamansig to ensure the safety and protection of internally-displaced persons (IDPs) while staying in evacuation centers. The DSWD expressed gratitude towards the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Kalamansig Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), provincial and local government units (LGUs) for their assistance in setting up tents for disaster-affected families.

The DSWD spokesperson added that the department is actively continuing the distribution of family food packs (FFPs) to the IDPs. Moreover, the department has provided technical assistance on camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) to ensure proper operation of evacuation centers. Dumlao emphasized that DSWD teams are on the ground not only to distribute assistance but also to support local governments in managing evacuation centers and safeguarding the welfare of internally displaced persons, especially children, senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities.

To date, more than PHP12.5 million worth of humanitarian assistance has been provided by the DSWD to families in Sultan Kudarat affected by the earthquake. Additionally, Dumlao mentioned that the DSWD is calling for volunteers to join its disaster response efforts. The DSWD's Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, Cebu, is seeking individuals to assist in repacking and preparing relief goods for families affected by disasters. Dumlao highlighted that volunteering is a direct way for the public to contribute to the government's disaster response efforts, noting that even a few hours of repacking relief goods can make a significant impact.

Interested volunteers can register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/mryex79f.