Mindanao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than 303,000 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) to families and individuals affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit several areas in Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the department's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated in a radio interview that the distribution of FFPs is ongoing and will continue based on the assessments made by the DSWD and local government units (LGUs). Dumlao emphasized the necessity of continued assistance to the affected families.

Dumlao assured that the agency is prepared and has sufficient relief supplies to offer additional support if the affected LGUs request it. She highlighted that the DSWD has more than 4.7 million family food packs in their national stockpile and is ready to provide further augmentation support from the national government if required.

The latest Disaster Response Operations Monitoring, Information, and Communication (DROMIC) report indicates that the DSWD has extended PHP223.4 million in humanitarian assistance, including FFPs, ready-to-eat food (RTEF), cash aid, and non-food items. The department is committed to reaching all affected areas, particularly geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

In collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and other government agencies, food and non-food items are being transported to hard-to-reach areas by air and sea. Dumlao acknowledged past challenges in accessing certain locations but stressed the importance of ensuring that no Filipino family goes hungry or is left behind, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Additionally, the DSWD is preparing to provide emergency cash transfer assistance to quake-affected families in coordination with their respective LGUs.