Manila: The government is accelerating the release of emergency assistance and recovery funds for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Tuesday. 'The full machinery of government is mobilized. Ayon sa utos ng Pangulo, agad nating naipadala ang tulong sa mga apektadong pamilya at patuloy nating bibilisan ang paglalabas ng karagdagang suporta upang matulungan silang makabangon sa lalong madaling panahon (In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, we have immediately sent assistance to the affected families and we will continue to expedite the release of additional support to help them recover as soon as possible),' Recto said.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto stated that the President has directed government agencies to prioritize life-saving interventions, relief distribution, restoration of basic services, and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the June 8 quake. To support response and recovery operations, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund currently has PHP34.23 billion available for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, recovery, and other disaster-related interventions. Of the amount, PHP11.95 billion is available under various agencies' quick response funds for immediate deployment.
The national government has also begun releasing financial assistance to affected local government units through the Local Government Support Fund. As of June 15, a total of PHP362 million has been released, including PHP100 million for General Santos City, PHP140 million for Sarangani province, and PHP122 million for South Cotabato province. The Office of the President has likewise extended PHP278 million through the Socio-Civic Projects Fund to 19 local government units across Mindanao, particularly in Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, and General Santos City.
The assistance package includes cash aid, burial assistance worth PHP50,000 for the families of earthquake fatalities, livelihood support, food assistance, medicines, medical supplies, and other non-food items expected to benefit nearly 90,000 affected families. The Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed 125,242 family food packs, 6,990 non-food items, and 7,428 ready-to-eat food boxes. The agency has also released PHP36.66 million in financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has deployed medical teams and distributed hygiene kits, vitamins, and emergency medicines in affected communities. The Department of Public Works and Highways continues structural assessments of hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, while the Department of Energy is working to fully restore electricity in affected areas.
Recto welcomed a Senate resolution seeking additional support for earthquake-hit communities, saying substantial government resources have already been mobilized and more assistance is being readied as recovery efforts continue. Marcos returned to Mindanao on Monday to personally visit quake-hit communities and coordinate government relief and recovery response. He visited General Santos City on June 10 to inspect damaged schools, hospitals, and ongoing relief operations.
