Mindanao earthquake: P362M released for aid — Recto

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the national government is expediting the release of emergency aid and recovery funds for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.

“The full machinery of government is mobilized. Following the president’s directive, we were able to immediately deliver assistance to affected families, and we will continue to speed up the release of additional support to help them recover as soon as possible,” Recto said in a statement.

According to Recto, the top priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to save lives, provide immediate relief, restore essential services and infrastructure, and help affected communities bounce back stronger.

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Recto also welcomed the Senate resolution filed on Monday, urging the government to ensure enough funds for the recovery and rehabilitation of earthquake-struck areas in Mindanao.

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He said substantial government resources have already been mobilized.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund has a current available allocation of P34.23 billion that can be tapped for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, repair, recovery, and other disaster-related interventions.

It includes the Quick Response Fund, lodged within the budgets of implementing agencies, with a total available allocation of P11.95 billion for rapid deployment.

READ: Palace allots P278M for LGUs hit by Mindanao earthquake

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The national government has already begun releasing financial assistance to earthquake-hit local government units (LGUs).

As of Monday, a total of P362 million has been released through the Local Government Support Fund, including P140 million for Sarangani province, P122 million for South Cotabato province, and P100 million for General Santos City.

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Separately, the Office of the President has provided P278 million in financial assistance under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund to 19 LGUs across Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Occidental, and South Cotabato, as well as General Santos City.

The package includes cash assistance, burial assistance worth P50,000 for the families of earthquake fatalities, livelihood support, food assistance, medicines, medical supplies, and other essential non-food items. It is expected to benefit about 90,000 affected families.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided P36.66 million in financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program for injured individuals, bereaved families, and other earthquake victims.

Workers who lost their livelihoods may qualify under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, which provides temporary employment and emergency income support.

The Government Service Insurance System has allocated P15.1 billion for emergency loans covering approximately 608,000 members and pensioners in affected areas.

Eligible members and pensioners may avail themselves of emergency loans of up to P40,000.

READ: Marcos back in quake zone to bring aid, oversee recovery

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is set to provide P30,000 in cash assistance to families with totally damaged houses.

It has also directed the Pag-IBIG Fund, the National Housing Authority, the Social Housing Finance Corporation, and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation to grant a moratorium on housing loan amortizations for qualified affected beneficiaries.

Marcos on Monday returned to quake-affected areas in Soccsksargen to personally check on displaced families and oversee the delivery of government assistance following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on June 8.

During a situation briefing in General Santos City, Marcos listened to local officials’ concerns and led the turnover of patient transport vehicles and assistance funds, assuring affected communities that the national government would continue supporting Sarangani and other Mindanao provinces as they rebuild from one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.

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The visit marked the president’s second trip to earthquake-hit areas in less than a week. He earlier visited General Santos City on June 10 to inspect damaged schools, hospitals, and ongoing relief operations. /mcm

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.