The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has established temporary shelters for families displaced by a series of earthquakes that recently struck the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the department’s spokesperson, said Friday that Field Office 12 personnel began installing family tents on 29 January. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Kalamansig municipal government and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

In addition to providing physical shelter, the DSWD has deployed technical experts to assist local governments with camp coordination and management.

Officials said these teams are tasked with ensuring evacuation centers operate efficiently and safeguard vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Our teams are on the ground not only to distribute assistance but also to support local governments in managing evacuation centers,” Dumlao said. “In times of disaster, everyone needs help, but there are those who are most vulnerable.”

The department has already provided more than P12.5 million in humanitarian aid to the affected areas, including the continuous distribution of family food packs.

To sustain relief operations, the DSWD is calling for public volunteers to assist in disaster response efforts. Specifically, the Visayas Disaster Resource Center in Mandaue City, Cebu, is seeking individuals to help repack and prepare relief goods for delivery to disaster zones.

“Volunteering is one way the public can directly contribute,” Dumlao said. “Sometimes, money is not required to help. Even a few hours spent repacking goods is a significant contribution.”