GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Philippine government has extended a total of P25.2 million in aid to families affected by the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Soccsksargen, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office for Region XII on Thursday.
During a situation briefing with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in General Santos City, the OCD provided an update on the assistance delivered to those affected by the earthquake. The total aid provided stands at P25,209,575, as of the latest report. Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, with support from national line agencies, continue to manage and respond effectively to the needs of the affected population.
The food and non-food items cluster, as highlighted by the OCD, distributed 13,148 family food packs, 74 loaves of bread, and 2,119 assorted items. Additionally, 3,870 individuals received assistance in individual crisis situations. The health cluster has offered triaging, first aid, and psychological first aid to 718 victims, with 689 treated on an outpatient basis and 29 admitted for confinement.
In terms of prepositioned resources, the health cluster has allocated funds for medical and public health, mental health and psychosocial services, and nutrition. A total of 27 medical practitioners are ready for deployment. Psychological first aid was also provided to affected learners by the education cluster, and the shelter cluster prepositioned 167 shelter-grade tarpaulins.
For law and order, 28 personnel were deployed to provide area security and assist in relief operations. Regarding search and rescue efforts in Bgy. Mudan, Glan, Sarangani Province, a total of 47 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were deployed.
The logistics cluster fielded 41 personnel, seven heavy equipment, and installed 50 early warning signages.
General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao expressed gratitude to President Marcos, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and other officials for their assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.
“Hindi po biro na yanigin ng magnitude 6.8 na lindol at tunay ngang nangibabaw ang unity at pagtutulungan ng lahat. Dahil din po sa inyong presensya ngayon, magsisilbi po kayong inspirasyon sa amin. Sa ngalan ng mamamayan ng General Santos City, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyo, mahal na Pangulo,” said Mayor Pacquiao.
According to local officials, 8,576 families or 40,412 individuals were affected by the earthquake in 77 barangays in GenSan. Eight deaths were reported, along with 25 injuries. In terms of shelter damage, GenSan has 4,299 damaged houses, with 576 totally damaged and the rest partially damaged.
