Davao oriental: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited quake-stricken communities in Davao Oriental province and delivered over PHP298 million in aid to support local recovery efforts in the Davao and Caraga Regions affected by the two powerful earthquakes on Oct. 10.
According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance includes PHP50 million for the provincial government of Davao Oriental and PHP108.3 million distributed across various local government units.
In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office said the Office of the President will also provide PHP20 million to Agusan del Sur province; PHP15 million each to the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, and Davao City. Marcos stated that other affected LGUs will also receive assistance.
The President announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to the provinces impacted by the earthquakes. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will utilize their Quick Response Fund to assist in the repair of damaged buildings.
During his visit, Marcos inspected damaged structures at the Manay National High School in Barangay San Ignacio and the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital. He also visited evacuation centers in Barangay Central and Tarragona Municipal Grounds, where he interacted with affected residents.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed PHP10,000 cash assistance to 35 families and 255 family food packs. Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development committed support through its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program, including PHP20 million in financial aid, 150 modular housing units, and PHP50 million worth of construction materials.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling reported to Marcos that modular shelter units are being deployed in Davao Oriental for the quake victims. Aliling, currently in Cebu to update the president on quake recovery efforts, said this is part of the planned Bayanihan Village, a temporary housing project designed to provide quake victims with a safe and dignified refuge while permanent solutions are developed.
The deployment of modular shelters in Davao Oriental is similar to efforts in Cebu province, where a Bayanihan Village has been established in San Remigio, one of the hardest-hit areas by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30. Additional sites are being prepared in Daanbantayan and Medellin, also in Cebu, to accommodate displaced residents.
In a meeting with local chief executives (LCEs), the President assured continuous support from the national government. The assistance follows the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that struck Manay, Davao Oriental, affecting parts of the Davao Region and neighboring provinces, triggering landslides, power outages, and widespread structural damage.
The two earthquakes displaced thousands of residents and forced several municipalities to declare a state of calamity. Last Friday, the Department of Health mobilized its Emergency Medical Teams and deployed additional medical personnel and resources to Manay, Davao Oriental as the earthquake damaged the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital.
A drinking water treatment plant mobile unit was also deployed to provide clean and safe drinking water. The department provided medical supplies, public health commodities, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) materials, along with nutrition support items for evacuees. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stated that medical tents were set up and healthcare workers dispatched to ensure continuous patient care after the hospital sustained significant structural damage.
