Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao Region) reported Thursday that it has extended over PHP119 million in humanitarian and cash assistance to communities affected by the June 8 magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, the hardest-hit town, 22,576 families were affected, with 34 evacuation centers sheltering 2,850 families (10,574 persons). The municipality recorded 5,674 damaged houses and received PHP45.8 million in aid, including food packs, tents, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and cash assistance.

Sarangani municipality in the same province followed with 7,101 affected families and PHP67.1 million in assistance, including emergency cash transfers for nearly 6,000 beneficiaries. Overall, the quake affected 46,861 families, or 155,965 individuals, across the region.

Of these, 3,498 families (12,892 persons) remain inside evacuation centers, while 3,086 families (9,098 persons) are staying with relatives or in temporary shelters. The agency also reported 15,962 damaged houses, including 5,272 totally destroyed and 10,690 partially damaged.

Other hard-hit areas in Davao Occidental include Malita (4,064 families), Sta. Maria (1,734 families), and Don Marcelino (1,134 families). In Davao del Norte, Tagum City reported 9,026 affected families, while Kapalong, New Corella, and Carmen also sustained house damage. In Davao del Sur, Digos City recorded 230 affected families, with PHP486,680 in aid distributed.

'Through the collaborative efforts of partner agencies and the local governments, essential aid is ensured to reach families in need, including those in remote islands and communities,' the agency said.