BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, headed by Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, immediately set its earthquake response in motion as it convened an emergency meeting following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Davao Region this morning, October 10, 2025.

The strong tremor was felt across Caraga, prompting the agency to activate high alert status and initiate rapid coordination with national government agencies and local government units for situational reporting and possible relief operations.

The meeting focused on assessing initial impacts, consolidating field reports, identifying available resources, and ensuring the readiness of response teams and supplies, including family food packs and other emergency assistance.

Even as several regional offices suspended work for safety, DSWD Caraga remained on duty, with exemptions granted only to vulnerable personnel such as pregnant employees, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, immunocompromised staff, and others requiring special protection.

“We are closely monitoring the condition of communities and evacuation centers in coordination with our partners on the ground,” Dollaga said.

DSWD Field Office Caraga assured the public that it stands with Caraganons during this challenging time and remains fully committed to providing timely and compassionate assistance to affected families.