Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public that the agency is ready to help families and individuals affected by all forms of disasters, whether big or small or natural or human-made.
“Sa amin sa DSWD, gusto naming ipadama at iparating sa ating mga kababayan na sa anumang pagsubok, sunog, bagyo, o lindol man ‘yan, ang DSWD ay laging handang tumulong at sumuporta, lalo na sa mga kababayan nating apektado ng kalamidad,” the DSWD chief told local reporters on Saturday (October 4) during his visit to families whose houses were razed in Brgys. 21 and 22-C along Piapi Boulevard in Davao City last October 2.
Amid the ongoing relief operations for families hit by recent weather disturbances in various parts of the country and the temblor in the northern part of Cebu, the DSWD chief flew to Davao City to check on the condition of the 273 families at Barangay 21-C and 49 families at Barangay 22-C who were displaced by the massive fire.
Secretary Gatchalian also led the distribution of relief goods and cash assistance worth Php10,000 to help the families start anew.
“Sa araw na ito, ang mga benepisyaryo ay makatatanggap ng sampung libong piso at iba pang non-food items. Alam namin na hindi ito malaking halaga, pero gusto ng DSWD na malaman ng mga biktima na naiisip namin sila at sana makatulong ito sa kanilang muling pagsisimula,” the DSWD chief pointed out.
Among the food and non-food items distributed to the affected locals were hot meals prepared through the agency’s mobile kitchen; ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes; sleeping kits, family clothing, kitchen and hygiene kits as well as child-friendly space kits.
Secretary Gatchalian lauded the strong coordination between the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the DSWD Field Office 11- Davao Region in managing the evacuation camps.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa CSWDO ng Davao City dahil tinulungan kami na mag-camp manage at mag-organize,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
In partnership with local counterparts, the DSWD FO-11 also provided psychosocial support, and women- and child-friendly space programs to safeguard the well-being and mental health of the affected families.
The provision of technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) in camp coordination and camp management and protection of internally displaced individuals is part of the DSWD’s mandate that ensures the rights and dignity of disaster-affected individuals are upheld at all times. (AKDL)
