Cebu: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initiated the second wave of relief efforts for the 12 towns in Northern Cebu affected by the September 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake. The department is dispatching 225,000 family food packs (FFPs) as part of this ongoing support.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the distribution to supplement local government units' (LGUs) resources. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the commitment to providing adequate food support, following discussions with Northern Cebu mayors. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directive to ensure families receive essential food and water supplies.

The DSWD completed the first wave of relief on Monday, delivering over 225,000 FFPs to the affected LGUs. The towns include Bogo City and the municipalities of Medellin, San Remigio, Daanbantayan, Tabuelan, Sogod, Tabogon, Borbon, Catmon, Sta. Fe, Madridejos, and Bantayan.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, 267,164 food packs were deployed through the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City. The numbers are set to rise with ongoing production and deployment by DSWD 7's quick response teams operating continuously.

In addition to food packs, mobile kitchens from DSWD-7, DSWD 8, DSWD 6, and Calabarzon provide nutritious meals to displaced persons in several affected areas. DSWD 10 will also send its mobile kitchen to Cebu by Thursday.

A DSWD-7 water tanker is conducting daily rounds in the quake-affected areas as part of the disaster response. Social workers from DSWD-8 have joined DSWD-7 in offering psychosocial support, starting in Bogo City on Tuesday.

The DSWD has also distributed modular tents upon LGUs' requests and is preparing for the disaster's early recovery phase. Dumlao noted that the Emergency Cash Transfer program will be implemented once lists of families with damaged houses are completed.