Mindanao, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured victims of the recent magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Mindanao of government aid, primarily through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos, during his visit to General Santos City, emphasized that rebuilding efforts in the earthquake-stricken Soccsksargen region would take time due to ongoing aftershocks. He stressed the unpredictability of earthquakes and the government's commitment to disaster response. The President also convened with cabinet members, regional directors, and local executives to discuss the situation following the November 17 earthquake. He instructed agencies to ensure continuous assistance and vigilant monitoring to support the affected communities. Before visiting General Santos City, Marcos and his team were in Tacloban City for updates on flood victims in Eastern and Northern Samar, with Northern Samar being under a state of calamity. In General Santos City, Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of aid at the Oval Plaza Gym. Assistance included PHP2,000 cash aid for 2,000 tricycle drivers and PHP10,000 or PHP5,000 for families with destroyed or damaged houses, respectively, in Sarangani province and General Santos City. Beneficiaries also received food packs and kitchen kits. Marcos highlighted that the priority for reconstruction would be public schools and hospitals. A briefing revealed that 20 public schools and 78 classrooms in Sarangani and 32 schools in General Santos City were damaged, with assessments on hospital structures to follow.