Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman has instructed the DSWD-Field Office in CARAGA to continue to augment the resources of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur in order to meet the needs of families affected by the on-going civil unrest in the towns of Lianga, San Agustin, Marihatag, Tago, and San Miguel.
This after Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny T. Pimentel issued an urgent appeal to the national government for food supply as influx of evacuees continues.
To date, 587 families or 2,817 persons are now staying at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center while 28 families remain at the Janipaan Gym in San Agustin. Both evacuation centers are managed by local government units (LGUs).
“While we have not stopped providing resource augmentation to the LGUs, I have instructed our Field Office in the region to intensify further its relief support to the affected areas especially that the province in now under state of calamity. Rest assured that there are enough goods to augment resources of the LGUs,” Sec. Soliman said.
As of September 18, DSWD has provided 2,224 food packs worth P930,343.68 as resource augmentation. On the other hand, P136,416.68 worth of non-food items such as blankets, plastic mats, and clothing have also been extended. Likewise, 2,496 pieces of nutri-cereals for the children-evacuees were also delivered.
Aside from providing relief support, DSWD also conducted psycho-social interventions especially to children-evacuees. DSWD social workers conducted Expressed Arts Therapy through collage making inside the child-friendly space at the Sports Complex. During the processing, most children expressed their desire to go home because they are no longer comfortable at the evacuation centers.
DSWD staff also engaged the adult- evacuees in sports activities.
As part of the convergence of public and private sectors, the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) extended free haircut to the evacuees; the Department of Health (DOH) conducted medical consultations; the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) distributed kitchen utensils; and, the San Pedro College/Hospital and Dominican Church conducted feeding program.
The Regional Child Welfare Group composed of various government agencies has ascertained the safety and security of the children evacuees with the presence of staff roving around the evacuation centers.