Heidelin Demecillo, who is currently taking up her studies in the University of the Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), together with her classmates, helped in packing relief goods at the grounds of the social welfare agency. “We don’t have classes today so we thought of volunteering and helping out however we can”, she said

“We always welcome the help of the volunteers since they augment the disaster operations of the agency especially when most of our staff still also have to continue with their regular functions amidst the disaster”, said Christine Escolano from the Capacity Building Unit of DSWD who was in-charge of the volunteers.

Volunteers were asked to pack DSWD family pack relief goods such as 5 assorted canned goods, 3 kilos of rice, 2-3 packs of noodles and 1 (4-litre) drinking water to be distributed to the earthquake victims in Bohol and Cebu. As of 2PM of October 16, 2013, there are a total of 8,269 affected families in the region.

DSWD is targeting eighteen thousand (18,000) family packs to be readily available for distribution the soonest possible time.

Meanwhile, more than fifty (50) marine and nautical engineering students from the University of Cebu (UC) came to assist the Department. UC Executives also offered their bus to be used for the delivery of the goods to Pier 1 where a boat of the Philippine Coast Guard will take these goods to Bohol as soon as loading will be done tonight.

For inquiries and updates on the DSWD-7 disaster response efforts, one may contact the DSWD Earthquake Emergency Hotline (032) 232-9507. Netizens and the general public can also visit and get informed through our websites old.dswd.gov.ph or www.fo7.dswd.gov.ph. ####