The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that the People’s Republic of China has donated 28 container vans carrying modular tents, sleeping kits, and kitchen kits for families and individuals affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. 

“We are deeply grateful to the government of China for sending assistance to our fellow Filipinos who, until now, continue to be affected by the earthquake in Mindanao,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Thursday.

“These will be of great help, especially to families who have not yet been able to return to their homes and are currently staying in evacuation centers and tent cities established by the DSWD and local government units,” she added.

The DSWD delivered 16 container vans of donated goods to DSWD Field Office (FO) 11 in the Davao Region, while 12 container vans were transported to Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN).

Meanwhile, the agency's "Angels in Red Vests," with support from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), conducted repacking activities to prepare the relief items for distribution.

A total of 5,500 modular tents, 5,119 sleeping kits, and 5,063 kitchen kits were repacked during the activity to facilitate their immediate distribution to affected families.

“Aside from food, these kinds of supplies are really what those staying in evacuation centers need right now—cooking materials, pillows, and blankets that they can use for sleeping,” Dumlao pointed out.