Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 (Central Visayas) has already distributed over 225,000 family food packs (FFPs) across 12 local government units (LGUs) in northern Cebu, which were impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero mentioned in an interview that preparations are underway for a second wave of FFP distribution to the most affected regions. She emphasized the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure no one goes hungry in the aftermath of the earthquake and stated that additional food packs are being readied for the affected communities.

Lucero highlighted that DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the quake-stricken regions in Cebu to ensure compliance with the President's directives. The recent report indicates that 179,917 families, or 681,417 individuals, have been affected across areas such as Bantayan Island (Sta. Fe, Madredejos, Bantayan), mainland Borbon, Catmon, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.

Initially, reports estimated that 5,000 houses were destroyed and 44,000 were damaged, but Lucero noted that these numbers are likely to increase. The DSWD plans to provide PHP10,000 to those whose homes were destroyed and PHP5,000 to those with damaged homes, pending validation from the LGUs.

Furthermore, four mobile kitchens have been deployed to offer free meals to residents in the hardest-hit areas, and modular tents have been established for displaced victims. The DSWD-7 is also seeking volunteers to assist with disaster relief efforts in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross.