BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured those who lost loved ones, were injured, and were homeless due to the landslide that they will be given financial assistance from the government.
Gatchalian, along with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, personally visited the landslide area in Barangay Guisad Surong, Baguio City, the evacuation area, those recovering in the hospital and expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the disaster who are lying in state at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, on Tuesday, August 11.
According to Gatchalian, the agency provided initial financial assistance to the bereaved families and will cover the funeral expenses of the victims, as well as the hospital expenses of the survivors.
For families who cannot safely return to their homes, the DSWD will extend rental assistance for approximately 3 to 6 months while the city government works on long-term relocation and socialized housing options.
Relief operations for affected families will continue, with financial assistance, relief support, and psychosocial interventions provided based on their assessed needs.
Magalong, meanwhile, said that ground zero of the landslide will be declared a no-build zone following signs of soil instability observed by city engineers.
He said the LGU will collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to assess the area and identify engineering solutions to help prevent similar incidents.
Magalong said the Baguio city government continues to lead the local response, coordinating relief operations and collaborating with national government agencies to address the immediate needs of the affected families.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to Secretary Gatchalian and the DSWD for their prompt response and continued support for the victims.
The LGU and DSWD assured the affected families that assistance will continue from immediate relief response to their long-term recovery and relocation.
