DSWD releases nearly P125M in aid for Mindanao earthquake victims

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released a total of P124,946,118.48 in humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao last week, the agency said Monday.

In a teleconference briefing, DSWD Disaster Response Management Bureau Director Maria Isabel Lanada reported that as of 6 a.m. on June 15, the agency had distributed 125,242 family food packs, 7,428 ready-to-eat food items, and 6,990 non-food relief items to affected residents.

READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to 65, says OCD

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The agency also provided P36,675,000 in financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program for earthquake victims.

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Lanada noted that the DSWD’s field offices in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and Soccsksargen have deployed their mobile command centers to the affected areas.

The same offices, along with Caraga, have also sent mobile kitchens to support relief operations.

READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to 65, says OCD

She further said that the agency currently has 4,825,665 family food packs; 274,867 non-food items; and P736,750,665.80 in funds on stanbdy and ready to be deployed for relief operations if needed.

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The massive quake struck 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, triggering thousands of aftershocks across parts of Mindanao.

As of 6 a.m. Monday, the death toll from the quake reached 65 while 36 were reported missing and 1,447 injured.

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READ: Deadly Mindanao earthquake raised seabed by up to 2 meters

Lanada said 176,816 families or 736,836 individuals were affected by the earthquake across 512 barangays.

Of these, 51,978 were taking shelter outside evacuation centers, while 18,423 are in 44 open evacuation centers.

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She also reported that 58,576 houses were damaged, including 11,302 that were totally destroyed./dp

HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.