More than P98M in aid reaches quake-hit families across Davao Region

DAVAO CITY (June 30)  — Nearly a month after a powerful earthquake shook parts of Mindanao, thousands of families in the Davao Region are slowly rebuilding their lives with more than P98 million in government assistance already delivered to the hardest-hit communities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) reported Monday that 46,861 families, or 155,965 individuals, have been affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on June 8, leaving homes damaged, families displaced, and livelihoods disrupted.

Among the worst-hit areas were the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani in Davao Occidental, where government relief operations continue.

Jose Abad Santos received P45.8 million worth of humanitarian assistance, including relief goods, cash aid, and Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) payouts. Neighboring Sarangani received more than P46 million in assistance.

Relief operations are also ongoing in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, where affected families continue to receive food, essential household supplies, and financial assistance based on their immediate needs.

While many families have begun returning home, thousands remain displaced. The DSWD said 2,940 families are still staying inside evacuation centers, while another 3,086 families have sought temporary shelter with relatives or in makeshift accommodations.

The earthquake left a trail of destruction across the region, damaging 16,061 houses—including 5,371 homes that were completely destroyed and 10,690 that sustained partial damage.

Jose Abad Santos recorded the highest number of affected families at 22,576, followed by Sarangani with 7,101 and Malita with 4,064.

To help families recover, the DSWD has distributed thousands of family food packs, hygiene kits, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, family tents, and modular tents.

A key component of the government’s recovery effort is the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program, which has already released P34.9 million to 5,237 families in Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani.

For Valmike Tara, a resident of Barangay Gomtago in Sarangani, the cash assistance offers hope after the earthquake left his family’s house and belongings in ruins.

“Our house was damaged, and all our belongings were destroyed. With what I received from the ECT, I will use it for repairs to our house,” Tara said.

The DSWD said the Emergency Cash Transfer program is designed to help disaster survivors meet urgent needs while giving them the flexibility to begin rebuilding their homes and restoring their daily lives.

As recovery continues, authorities say the priority remains ensuring that displaced families receive the support they need—not only to survive the aftermath of the disaster, but to recover with dignity.