Davao: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 11 in the Davao Region has mobilized its Mobile Command Center (MCC) following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck 62 kilometers southeast of Manay, Davao Oriental. This activation comes on the orders of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who has directed immediate preparations for potential relief and response operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Gatchalian instructed the regional quick response team (QRT) to ensure the readiness of all personnel and logistical support. He emphasized the importance of safety in their deployment, advising the team to proceed only if travel conditions were deemed safe. The MCC, which functions as a comprehensive operations hub, is designed to facilitate real-time communication and coordination, even in areas with unstable communication lines.

Gatchalian's directive included a specific order to bring a mobile kitchen and command center to Davao Oriental, underscoring the need for rapid deployment during emergencies. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of field personnel, advising against rushing into potentially dangerous situations.

DSWD FO 11 Regional Director Roelle Aradanas reported that initial coordination with Manay's Mayor, Jon Marco Dayanghirang, is underway to assess the situation at the earthquake's epicenter. As of the latest reports, DSWD FO 11 has strategically prepositioned 103,614 family food packs, 5,000 boxes of ready-to-eat food, and 30,019 non-food items throughout the region. These resources include various essential kits and tents, prepared to aid affected communities swiftly.

In Davao Oriental specifically, there are 7,256 family food packs and 350 non-food items prepositioned, including family kits, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, and modular tents. The efforts aim to provide immediate support to the potentially affected populations, ensuring their basic needs are met in the wake of the earthquake.