BY: FRANCINE ALYXIA PALMES AND MARINA VILLEGAS/CMU Interns
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aims to distribute 40,000 relief goods to earthquake-affected residents in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani in Davao Occidental by this week.
During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, June 15, Merlinda A. Paragamac, DSWD XI assistant regional director for operations, said the delivery of relief goods has been fast-tracked, particularly in interior and upland barangays such as Quiapo, Molmol, and San Isidro.
“Supplies are being transported through aerial drops due to limited access, and because of transportation constraints, double food packs are being delivered to residents in these upland areas,” she stated.
Last week, DSWD had already allocated a total of 22,459 relief items to affected communities, including 1,389 non-food items, 2,200 ready-to-eat food packs, and cash assistance for 13 hospitalized beneficiaries.
The official also said that newly identified sitios excluded from the initial assessment are now receiving supplies through military air assets.
Meanwhile, Ednar Dayanghirang, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense XI, recognized the initiative of Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce in helping the most-affected families.
Dayanghirang noted that Joyce proposed a strategy allowing sari-sari stores to provide goods on credit to barangay captains, with the expenses to be charged to the local government’s account.
He acknowledged the effort to ensure that affected residents receive immediate assistance while the delivery of relief packs is experiencing delays.
