THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Soccsksargen distributed hygiene kits last July 6 to 323 internally displaced families who have been staying at the Sarimanok Tent City in Marawi City.

DSWD-Soccsksargen was able to accumulate 256 hygiene packs, used clothing and assorted items donated by SM Store and SM Supermalls.

"We are happy and would like to thank them [SM] for their kind heart in sharing for our IDPs (internally displaced persons) in Marawi," said Bai Zorahayda Taha, regional director of DSWD-Soccsksargen.

Each hygiene kits include alcohol, soap, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpastes, a pack of cotton, a roll of tissue, and towel, among others.

Aside from the hygiene packs, Taha said the DSWD also gave livelihood assistance to the IDPs through cash for work, social preparation and, with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), skills training.

"In social preparation, we will find and we'll be able to validate if some [IDPs] are for dressmaking, some are for pastries, etc.," Taha said.

SM, for its part, has expressed its full support in helping the IDPs of Marawi.

"This will not stop as long as we are in business. We owe it to the community that we are operating in all the possible assistance we could extend," SM Supermalls Vice President for Mindanao Oliver John Tiu said.