The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its gratitude to all volunteers, non-government organizations (NGO), fellow national government agencies (NGAs), and private sector partners who assisted the Department in its ongoing relief operations for individuals and families who have been affected by a series of strong earthquakes that jolted several areas in Mindanao. 

DSWD Field Office (FO) XII Regional Director Cezario Joel Espejo, who leads DSWD’s relief operations for the affected families in Central Mindanao, specifically thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, United Nations World Food Programme, International Migration Organization, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia for extending assistance in relief operations in the quake-hit towns of North Cotabato where thousands of people have been displaced.

Director Espejo also thanked the Provincial Governments of North and South Cotabato for their quick response during the disaster.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista lauded the disaster responders and staff of concerned DSWD FOs as well as those from other government agencies for responding to the call of duty even during the holiday. He also thanked all those who volunteered, emphasizing their instrumental role in ensuring that aid would be extended to those affected by the series of tremors.

DSWD continues to monitor the situation of the affected families for the provision of additional assistance. To date, the Department’s FOs in Regions V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, and Caraga have sent augmentation support in the form of emergency relief supplies to FO XII for distribution to the affected residents. -30-