The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed financial assistance and family food packs (FFPS) to the earthquake-affected residents in Davao de Oro on Thursday.

The province suffered two strong temblor — magnitudes 5.9 and 5.6 on March 7, 2023.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of aid in the evacuation centers in Manat National High School in Nabunturan and Andap National High School in New Bataan.

“DSWD is here to help you,” Gatchalian told the residents, adding that the agency will also help them in building the damaged homes.

He also visited Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Barangay Manat in Nabunturan, Barangays Panoraon and New Leyte in Maco, and Barangay Paloc in Maragusan.

Gatchalian also inspected the evacuation centers to ensure the safety and continuous assistance to the affected residents, especially the children who experienced trauma caused by the earthquake.

Some 2,418 families were affected by the series of earthquake in the province, according to the data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO). (PNA)