All 54 villages in quake-hit Surigao City have received aid: DSWD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Saturday that all 54 barangays in quake-hit Surigao City have already been provided relief assistance. (Photo: Department of Social Welfare and Development/ Facebook)

MANILA—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Saturday that all 54 barangays in quake-hit Surigao City have already been provided relief assistance.

Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said she is quite relieved that all barangays that were affected by the 6.7-magnitude tremor that rocked the city last Feb. 10 have been reached.

She assured the local government units of these barangays that her office will continue to send them the resources they need to help the quake victims.

“We have to help our ‘kababayans’ (compatriots) recover from the trauma caused by the earthquake. They are still traumatized from their experience and may not be able to return to their normal lives because aftershocks are still felt from time to time,” Taguiwalo said.

“The DSWD pledges to continue monitoring the situation and to be always prepared to provide what assistance are within our means.”

She noted that the repacking of relief goods at DSWD-Caraga region continues, so as to ensure the smooth flow of aid to the victims.

To date, a total of PHP10.26-million worth of assistance has been provided to affected families through the LGUs. Of the amount, PHP9.18 million was sourced from the department, PHP963,838 from the LGUs, and PHP112,350 from non-governmental organizations.

DSWD-Caraga social workers meanwhile continue to conduct psychosocial activities for victims in the towns of Malimono, San Franciso, and Surigao City.