The Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Davao Region (DSWD-11) has released more than PHP50 million in disaster relief assistance to local government units (LGUs) in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental affected by the recent strong earthquake, the agency said in a status report on Monday.

The relief package includes 50,580 family food packs (FFPs) valued at PHP40.53 million, 2,064 non-food items (NFIs) totaling PHP7.15 million, 2,220 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) allocations worth PHP2.14 million, and PHP260,000 in cash assistance.

In Davao Occidental, Jose Abad Santos (JAS) received the largest share with 33,046 FFPs (PHP22.71 million) and 1,035 NFIs (PHP3.15 million). Sarangani town received 10,014 FFPs, 2,000 RTEF allocations (PHP14.24 million), and 981 NFIs (PHP3.91 million). Malita received 3,094 FFPs (PHP2.16 million), Don Marcelino received 2,405 FFPs and 220 RTEF allocations (PHP1.95 million), and Sta. Maria received 1,555 FFPs (PHP1.13 million) and 48 NFIs.

In Digos City, Davao del Sur, three beneficiaries received PHP30,000, while in JAS, seven beneficiaries received PHP140,000, and in Sarangani, three received PHP90,000.

DSWD-11 deployed 76 personnel, including specialized teams in Glan, Sarangani, to oversee relief operations. The agency augmented a filtration system in Region 12, distributed 300 family water kits in JAS, and conducted psychological first aid for 130 individuals.

Child-friendly spaces were also activated for nearly 200 children, while a mobile kitchen in Barangay Nuing served 785 residents.

DSWD-11 said it maintains a standby stockpile and fund pool worth over PHP169 million, including 184,179 FFPs (PHP113.21 million), 20,638 NFIs (PHP54.86 million) and PHP1.94 million in standby funds. (PNA)