General santos city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 (Soccsksargen) intensified its relief operations on Wednesday in Sarangani Province and General Santos City, the third day after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the region on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-12 Regional Director Loreto Cabaya stated that the ongoing distribution effort is part of the agency's sustained response to meet the immediate needs of families affected by the disaster, particularly those who are displaced or struggling to access basic necessities. He mentioned that beyond food assistance, DSWD-12 is implementing several interventions to support affected families and individuals.
Cabaya detailed that these interventions include establishing temporary shelter assistance in open fields away from structures and buildings, providing psychosocial support services, and resource augmentation for local government units (LGUs). He emphasized that DSWD personnel remain on the ground, coordinating closely with LGUs and partner agencies to ensure assistance reaches communities in need. The agency also anticipates additional food supplies to arrive to support the continuing humanitarian response across the region. However, Cabaya did not share further details about their relief operations as they are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, the people of Sarangani expressed gratitude towards the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for providing emergency food packs to earthquake victims. Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao thanked the leadership of BARMM for sending food packs to their constituents, recognizing it as a significant help. BARMM dispatched 5,000 food packs for Sarangani and another 5,000 for the people of General Santos City, each containing essentials like rice, tuna, and coffee.
Governor Pacquiao also commended BARMM Interior Minister Jordan Bayam and Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) Director Muhammad Farzieh B. Abutazil for dispatching search-and-rescue teams to locate missing persons in the province. He acknowledged their swift response and assistance, reflecting the enduring spirit of brotherhood, compassion, and solidarity among the people of Mindanao.
