Disaster relief and response agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are continuously monitoring the possible impacts of the new tail-end of a cold front currently battering CARAGA and Davao Region.

According to the issued bulletin of state weather bureau PAGASA, the weather disturbance which was initially observed last February 15, has already weakened but will continue to bring light to moderate rains and thunderstorms in the two regions.

The DSWD has received reports that 11,541 families or 38,391 persons have been displaced in 46 barangays in CARAGA, of which 1,170 families or 4,105 individuals are still staying in 25 evacuation centers.

The DSWD Field Office (FO) CARAGA, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Operations Unit (DRRROU), is continuously coordinating with concerned local governments for additional resource augmentation and technical assistance.

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo also warned residents to stay alert for possible impacts of the weather disturbance.

“We urge citizens to remain alert for possible flash floods or landslides that may occur in CARAGA and Davao Region due to the inclement weather. Our field offices are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground and are ready to receive requests for augmentation and other assistance needed by families in evacuation centers,” assured the Secretary.

Status of relief ops in Surigao City

Yesterday, the DSWD-FO CARAGA distributed 1,780 Family Food Packs (FFPs) to affected families in Brgy. Canlanipa, Surigao City.

Aside from the continuous relief operations, staff members from the FO-CARAGA are also conducting rapid damage assessment to the areas affected by the earthquake.

Likewise, the DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau (DReAMB) team, led by Ms. Esther Geraldoy, held an ocular inspection and provided technical assistance in the disaster relief operations for the victims of the 6.7 magnitude earthquake.

Meanwhile, Sec. Taguiwalo commended the efforts of non-government organizations, local and national government’s disaster response teams and private individuals and organizations for their dedication and service to assist the disaster survivors.

“The collective efforts of national government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and other private entities to help in the relief operations for our kababayans affected by the earthquake have been effective and efficient despite the initial delays. We are grateful to all our humanitarian and social workers for offering their time, resources and dedication to serve the Filipino people. Let us continue our best practices and strive to also empower communities even as we help disaster survivors to start anew,” said Sec. Taguiwalo. ###