Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended nearly PHP65 million in humanitarian aid to families and individuals affected by the recent earthquake in the Davao and Caraga regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) stated that the assistance has reached over PHP63 million for the Davao Region and more than PHP1.7 million for the Caraga region, particularly in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

Dumlao highlighted that Davao Oriental received the largest share of food and non-food items, totaling over PHP58 million. Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte followed with PHP3 million and PHP1.6 million, respectively. The aid package also included 75,286 boxes of family food packs distributed to displaced families across the Davao Region and Caraga.

In addition to the DSWD's efforts, private partners have contributed to assisting displaced locals. Clean Water International Philippines (CWIP), a partner of DSWD Field Office 11, installed a Living Water Treatment System in Barangay Holy Cross, Manay, Davao Oriental, to address the need for potable water. The Philippine Army also set up a water filtration system in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.

Dumlao expressed gratitude towards the partners, acknowledging that their collective efforts ensure timely and adequate assistance reaches all affected citizens during challenging times.