The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Davao Field Office has ramped up its humanitarian operations in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, providing more than 10,000 family food packs and nearly ₱35 million in Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) assistance to families affected by the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
Relief Distribution Details
As of June 26, DSWD reported distributing 10,014 Family Food Packs (FFPs), 2,000 ready-to-eat food packs, 100 tents, 111 modular tents, 470 hygiene kits, and 300 sleeping kits to affected residents in the municipality of Sarangani. The agency also released ₱90,000 in immediate cash assistance as part of its ongoing disaster relief operations.
In Jose Abad Santos, DSWD has provided 40,226 Family Food Packs, 346 tents, 190 modular tents, 1,675 hygiene kits, 1,169 sleeping kits, 99 family kits, 75 kitchen kits, and ₱140,000 in additional cash assistance for displaced residents.
Emergency Cash Transfer Program
Beyond relief goods, the DSWD has significantly expanded its financial assistance through the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. This initiative enables disaster-hit families to purchase food, medicine, shelter materials, and other essential needs as they begin recovering from the calamity.
The agency said a total of 5,237 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani (Balut Island) have already received ₱34,967,894 in Emergency Cash Transfer assistance as of June 26.
Of the total amount, ₱27,843,192 was released to 3,900 beneficiaries in Balut Island, Sarangani. The recipients include 1,283 severely affected families and 2,364 slightly affected families, with the remaining beneficiaries covered under the agency's validated assistance list. In Jose Abad Santos, DSWD distributed ₱7,124,702 in Emergency Cash Transfer assistance to 1,337 beneficiaries, including 54 severely affected and 1,283 slightly affected families.
Late-Night Distribution on Balut Island
Personnel from the DSWD Field Office XI conducted a late-night distribution of ECT financial assistance to families on Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The agency's "Angels in Red Vests" extended operations into the night to deliver immediate relief to communities severely affected by the earthquake, following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track disaster response.
Overall Impact and Coordination
Earlier reports from DSWD showed that the disaster affected 46,861 families, or 155,965 individuals, while more than 16,000 houses sustained damage, including thousands that were totally destroyed.
The DSWD-Davao Field Office said the sustained distribution of food, non-food items, temporary shelter materials, and Emergency Cash Transfer assistance is intended to help families address their immediate needs while supporting their early recovery and the restoration of their daily lives. The agency added that it continues to coordinate with local government units and other national agencies to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities across the province.
