Dy backs stronger local disaster planning after Mindanao quake

MANILA, Philippines — The recent earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao highlights the need to further strengthen local disaster preparedness and risk-based planning, particularly in areas vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III stressed Thursday in an interview in General Santos City.

Dy visited the city with a House delegation to assess the impact of the earthquake.

“For a typhoon, we can prepare no matter how strong it is. But when it comes to an earthquake, it’s important to know its center and where it will hit. In that way, local government units can plan properly,” Dy said in Filipino.

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READ: Over 100 House reps join Dy relief drive for quake-hit Mindanao

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He said local governments must take into account all hazards affecting their communities — not only earthquakes but also landslides and floods — to better protect residents and minimize casualties during disasters.

Earlier, the speaker announced that the House would help ensure that all earthquake-related hospital expenses of injured victims would be covered, regardless of whether they were admitted to public or private hospitals.

He also said that lawmakers from the region would help assess infrastructure damage for possible inclusion in the proposed 2027 national budget.

During his General Santos visit, Dy reiterated that rehabilitation of critical public infrastructure — including hospitals, airports, roads, bridges, and other public facilities — would be among the priorities identified by the House delegation for funding consideration.

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READ: Dy vows House medical, reconstruction aid for quake-hit Mindanao

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that relief assistance can reach affected communities quickly, noting that damaged roads have complicated transport and response operations.

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Dy said Congress remained ready to support both immediate relief efforts and longer-term recovery measures.

“We are united, and we sympathize [with the earthquake victims], and you can rely on us to continue helping to make sure you can all recover from this problem,” Dy said.

Leading more than 100 House members who have joined the relief drive, Dy has been coordinating closely with local officials and lawmakers from Soccsksargen, or Region XII, to identify urgent needs and ensure that both emergency assistance and rehabilitation support are delivered to affected communities.

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“What’s important for us Filipinos is for us to be resilient. We will stand up at the same time. We will stand up together. This is what’s important — cooperation and helping each other,” he said. /atm

HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.