Following aftershocks of the series of earthquakes in North Cotabato slowed down, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) extended aid to quake victims in Kidapawan City.

DOLE-North Cotabato chief Marjorie Latoja handed over PHP3.7 million in check Friday afternoon to Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista as “Pangkabuhayan package” to 224 quake-displaced individuals.

The DOLE provincial office, after a series of consultation and validation, awarded the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) to jobless residents, senior citizens, and indigents.

The funds will be used to procure livelihood starter kits for identified beneficiaries.

Latoja said some of the beneficiaries will receive tools for arc welding, food processing, carpentry, street food vending, among others.

Latoja said the DILEEP is a grant program where the beneficiaries need not pay back but encouraged to make their sources of income grow.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has announced that the number of aftershocks following three major quakes that rocked North Cotabato has lessened.

Hermes Daquipa, speaking for Phivolcs North Cotabato, said the reduced number of aftershocks was a good development and an indication that the situation is improving. (PNA)