The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has intensified its relief efforts for families affected by recent events in Mandaue City. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, DSWD-7 employees distributed 1,941 food packs to affected families at the Subangdaku Gym in Barangay Subangdaku.
Mayor's Urgent Call for Volunteers
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" M. Ouano has made an urgent appeal to private sector companies and hospitals to provide additional volunteers as relief operations continue to accelerate. The mayor openly acknowledged that the current number of volunteers is insufficient to meet the community's needs.
"We want to request volunteers from the private sector. Currently, we only have 17 volunteers with us," Mayor Ouano stated during his announcement on November 10, 2025.
Critical Shortage of Medical Personnel
Mayor Ouano detailed the concerning distribution of the limited volunteer workforce. Only three volunteers are stationed at City Health, while nine are deployed in the field. "The three are at City Health, and the nine are in the field. This is really not enough when we consider the thousands of people we are helping now," the mayor emphasized.
The mayor specifically highlighted the critical need for qualified medical personnel among the volunteers. "We also need volunteer doctors who can prescribe medicine," he said. Although the city has medicines ready for distribution, proper prescriptions are required before they can be administered to those in need.
Appeal to Private Hospitals
Mayor Ouano expressed hope that private hospitals in Mandaue City would contribute manpower to support the relief operations. "That's why we are requesting our private sector, private hospitals here in Mandaue City, if they can spare at least two volunteers from each hospital to help," Ouano added, making a direct appeal to healthcare institutions.
The coordinated efforts between government agencies and the hoped-for private sector support aim to ensure that all affected residents receive the assistance they require during this challenging period.
