DAVAO CITY - In response to the recent devastating floods and landslides in Mindanao, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the release of approximately PHP265 million from the Presidential Social Fund. This fund is intended to supplement the ongoing relief efforts for the affected families across the region. The announcement came during a situation briefing held at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on Wednesday, addressing the natural disasters caused by the shear line and a low-pressure area.
According to Philippines News Agency, this financial allocation is in addition to the emergency cash assistance already being distributed to the victims of the floods and landslides. President Marcos emphasized that the additional funds are aimed at aiding displaced families in purchasing necessary household items beyond food, recognizing the broader needs of those impacted by the calamities. "From the reports that we have had, I think that we are doing all right in the provision of food packs, etcetera. But as the Secretary was explaining, it gets to the point that people need not just food. They need to buy other things for their household," Marcos stated.
The breakdown of the allocation includes PHP30 million each for the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, and Davao de Oro. Surigao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur are slated to receive PHP25 million each, while Agusan de Norte will be provided with PHP15 million. Additionally, the provinces of Cotabato and Bukidnon will each receive PHP10 million.
Furthermore, President Marcos has instructed the immediate repair of roads to expedite the delivery of assistance to the affected areas, especially the isolated villages. Highlighting the logistical challenges, he noted the limitations of helicopter transport and the necessity for trucks to carry the bulk of the relief goods, including water purifiers and other essential equipment, to ensure that every barangay is reached.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's latest situation report indicates that the adverse weather conditions, including the low-pressure area and the northeast monsoon, have resulted in 18 fatalities in Mindanao. The incidents in the Davao Region, involving deaths, injuries, and missing persons, are currently under validation. To date, around 324,040 families or over 1.2 million individuals across 723 villages in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have been affected by these calamities.