The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide financial aid to LGUs and Residents affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra Province last Wednesday. 

“The President has ordered me to give a firsthand report to him. Nakikita nya sa social media pero gusto nya yung tao nya mismo [ang mag-report] (He can see the damages of the earthquake as posted on social media but he wants to hear the report from his staff),” DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo told reporters on Wednesday.

Earlier today, President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. flew to the province. 

 which “caused damages to many households and establishments” according to Rep. Ching Bernos. 

Since then, there were more than 800 aftershocks in less than 24 hours. 

“The President has ordered me to give a firsthand report to him. Nakikita nya sa social media pero gusto nya yung tao nya mismo [ang mag-report] (He can see the damages of the earthquake as posted on social media but he wants to hear the report from his staff),” DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo told reporters on Wednesday.

Tulfo along with his staff and Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez went to Abra yesterday afternoon to provide assistance. 

They reported the ready distribution of of more than 2,000 food packs, and an additional 5000 on the way. 

“The department has already readied the PHP1 million for distribution, the other PHP5 million is being downloaded for augmentation today or tomorrow. Pang cash assistance siya para sa mga nasugatan nasiraan ng bahay etc., (It is for cash assistance to those who were injured and those whose homes were damaged due to the quake),” Lopez said.

Lopez said that 6 million pesos were allocated to provide financial aid to the victims.