Cebu: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday announced that the joint efforts of national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) have accelerated the response and early recovery for the quake-affected residents of Cebu. In a conversation with reporters, Gatchalian highlighted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for a unified approach across government agencies in response to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake has led to significant advancements in disaster operations, providing meaningful assistance to the impacted families and individuals in northern Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the President's instruction for constructing tent cities to offer temporary, safe housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cebu. Approximately 1,227 families currently reside in five tent cities established by national government agencies in Bago City, San Remigio, Medellin, Daanbantayan, and Tanuan City. In San Remigio, the temporary housing comprises family tents from the DSWD, while the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development built modular housing units known as 'smart houses.'

The DSWD is also responsible for providing hot meals to displaced families via four mobile kitchens located in Bogo City and the municipalities of San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan. Serving as the camp manager for the San Remigio tent city, the DSWD has established spaces catering to women and children. Additionally, the Bogo tent city was constructed by the Philippine Red Cross, with the DSWD managing daily meal provision for the IDPs.

Regardless of whether the tent cities consist of family tents or modular units, Gatchalian assured that IDPs are accommodated in safe and comfortable environments. 'The immediate establishment of the tent cities shows the commitment of President Marcos to provide comprehensive and speedy help for the families traumatized by the earthquake,' he stated. He further noted that other presidential commitments, such as electricity, food, water, and temporary shelters, have been fulfilled by various government agencies.

While it remains challenging to determine when disaster operations will conclude and full recovery will be achieved, Gatchalian reassured Cebuanos that the entire government will persist in their efforts to support recovery and restore normalcy to their lives.