Davao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its field office in Davao Region (FO-11), is on alert and monitoring the effects of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Manay town in Davao Oriental on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the quake occurred at 11:02 a.m. at a depth of 16 kilometers, approximately 58 km east of the municipality of Manay. Following the tremor, DSWD personnel in Davao Region temporarily evacuated their office building as a safety precaution, with operations currently placed on standby.
The DSWD FO-11 assured Davaoe±os that it will continue to monitor the situation and stands ready to conduct rapid damage and needs assessments in affected areas should the need arise. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the DSWD remains ready to respond to any emerging needs of affected communities.
'Naka-standby na po ang ating regional offices upang agad na tumugon kung kinakailangan. Patuloy po ang monitoring ng Field Office 11 para masigurong handa ang tulong ng gobyerno para sa mga naapektuhan ng lindol (Our regional offices are on standby to immediately respond if needed. The FO-11 continues to monitor the situation to ensure that government aid is ready for those affected by the earthquake),' the DSWD spokesperson said in a statement.
As part of its strengthened disaster preparedness, the DSWD's FO-11 is ready to assist affected residents with 50,633 family food packs (FFPs) and PHP1.2 million in standby funds. The DSWD is also coordinating with concerned local government units and partner agencies to determine any immediate assistance requirements in affected communities.
Also readily available are social protection assets, including mobile kitchens, a mobile command center, and a mobile water system, which are likewise on standby and ready for deployment as soon as the need arises. The DSWD advises the public to remain vigilant and to watch out for official advisories from authorities as monitoring continues.
