Manila: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has ordered all DSWD Field Office (FO) regional directors in Mindanao to immediately coordinate with local government units (LGUs) affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the province of Sarangani and other areas in Mindanao on Monday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the readiness of the DSWD Field Office 12 (Soccsksargen) to mobilize response assets following the seismic event felt in Sarangani, General Santos City, and nearby regions. He stated that there are over 1.1 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) available in Mindanao for affected families and individuals.

The DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) reported that as of June 2, there are 4.7 million FFPs prepositioned nationwide, available for immediate release during disasters and emergencies. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives, the DSWD chief instructed all FOs to prepare logistic and manpower resources for deployment.

Gatchalian assured that assistance would be promptly dispatched, citing the ample FFPs stockpiled in various warehouses across Mindanao. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) of DSWD FOs are on standby, monitoring and coordinating with LGUs for potential resource augmentation.

He also directed that mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, and other necessary equipment and resources be deployed by concerned FOs. The DSWD urged the public to stay informed about developments and coordinate with LGUs to locate the nearest evacuation centers, given the expectation of aftershocks and the issuance of a tsunami warning.