The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 11 (Davao Region) released on Wednesday more than PHP57.8 million in emergency cash transfer (ECT) assistance to 8,243 families affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Davao Occidental.
Of the total, 2,174 families whose houses were destroyed received PHP22.27 million, while 6,069 families whose houses sustained damage received PHP32.78 million.
“DSWD-11 continues to respond to families affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the towns of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani (Balut Island) through the ECT program,” the agency said, adding that the aid is meant to help families meet immediate needs and begin recovery.
Meanwhile, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has intensified coordination with local government units (LGUs) to fast-track relief and recovery efforts.
MinDA facilitated the delivery of 300 hygiene kits donated by the Eagle Masters Davao Golf Club and turned over two Starlink satellite Internet units from partner Unconnected.org to restore communication in isolated communities.
MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said disaster response remains a priority of the Marcos administration, highlighting resilience, stronger early recovery systems, and closer coordination between national and local governments.
“MinDA is working closely with our LGU partners to ensure the swift delivery of assistance and a coordinated response to all affected communities,” he added. (PNA)
