Philippine officials distribute cash and relief kits to families displaced by Davao fires

Rex Gatchailan, head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos traveled to Davao City to monitor the rollout of aid for residents displaced by two major fires last week. They oversaw the distribution of cash assistance amounting to P23 million, allocated to 1,074 families in the Leon Garcia area of Agdao and 79 families in Barangay 79-A Bucana. Alongside the cash, the government supplied relief kits valued at P7.9 million, containing clothing, hygiene items, kitchen supplies, and sleeping equipment. Abalos noted the President’s instruction to ensure comprehensive support for the victims, while Gatchailan said officials are also exploring further measures to help the affected families rebuild their lives.