Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personally handed over on Monday afternoon the financial assistance to 490 families affected by a strong earthquake in Davao de Oro province.

The 6.0 magnitude earthquake last Feb. 1 affected at least 229,674 families or around 779,918 individuals in the province.

Each family received PHP3,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the agency.

In his speech during the distribution of financial assistance in Monkayo town, Gatchalian announced the start of the payout in other Davao de Oro towns “in the coming days.”

“I personally came here to monitor the payout. The instruction of our President is to ensure that whenever the Filipinos need help with or without a disaster, the DSWD’s help should be within reach,” he said.

Gatchalian pointed out that the government should be the one to reach out for people who need assistance.

“We will make sure that if you need help, DSWD will be there for you. As far as we can, we will coordinate with your local officials so that we will know what is needed in your locality,” he said.

Data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRMO) showed the tremor left PHP107 million worth of damage on infrastructures in the province, and around PHP73 million worth of damage to various provincial hospitals and other health facilities. (PNA)