The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 has heightened its efforts in Camp Coordination, Camp Management, and the protection of Internally Displaced Persons (CCCM & IDPs) in the established evacuation camps throughout the local government units (LGUs) in Northern Cebu that have been affected by the earthquake.

As part of the agency’s enhanced disaster response operations, DSWD FO 7 deployed additional staff to the LGUs of Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan to serve as camp managers and personnel. This deployment aims to ensure the organized management of each evacuation site and the timely encoding and reporting of camp data.

One of the assigned personnel in Barangay Banban, a remote barangay in Bogo City, shared his experience as a camp manager.

“Together with the local camp manager, we strive to build a healthy relationship with the internally displaced persons to maintain a harmonious environment in the camp. We assist in organizing camp operations and ensuring peace and order. We also conduct psychosocial activities, especially for women and children,” shared Provost Japitana.

Japitana admitted that the role comes with challenges but remains fulfilling.

“It’s challenging, especially at first, when you’re still trying to establish rapport with the displaced families. But it’s fulfilling once you achieve your goal of creating a harmonious camp,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lilibeth Cabiara, the chief of the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD), emphasized that the continuous augmentation of DSWD camp personnel to LGUs ensures the protection and welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“In every disaster, IDPs are among the most vulnerable. We ensure that displaced families have a safe space to stay temporarily during and after the disaster. Through our CCCM and IDPP initiatives, we make evacuation camps more conducive for all displaced individuals and families,” said Cabiara.

DSWD FO 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero reaffirmed the agency’s continued commitment to support quake-affected LGUs in Northern Cebu through technical assistance and on-ground coordination.

“DSWD Field Office 7, in collaboration with government and non-government partners, remains at the forefront of ensuring that internally displaced persons are safe and comfortable while temporarily staying in camps. We will continue providing technical assistance to the affected LGUs, especially in camp coordination, management, and protection of displaced persons,” Lucero stated.

Since October 1, 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 (DSWD FO 7) has extended humanitarian assistance to the affected LGUs in Northern Cebu, providing food and non-food items, psychosocial support services, response vehicle augmentation, camp personnel, data gatherers, and more. ###