General Santos City – The country’s Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian provided updates today on the ongoing relief operations for quake-hit individuals and families here.

Over 35 members of the media from General Santos City attended the Press Conference initiated by the city government.

Secretary Gatchalian said, “we are here to work with the LGUs, assess their needs and coordinate our efforts with them.”

He added, “DSWD will stand ready in any LGU recommendations for financial and material augmentation.”

“We will wait for a day or two for the extent of damages of earthquake, damaged homes, consolidated reports on temporarily displaced workers,” Sec. Gatchalian.said.

DSWD12 Regional Director, meanwhile said that initial family food packs augmentation to Sarangani and Gensan were already delivered, and Php5 million standby funds to cover families seeking relief assistance .

Said press conference was also attended by Gensan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, Congressman Paul Acharon and DSWD Usec. Dianne Cajipe.