House bill seeks P15-B supplemental budget for quake-struck Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking a P15-billion supplemental budget for quake‑hit Mindanao’s rehabilitation was filed at the House of Representatives on Monday, as a counterpart to Sen. Francis Pangilinan’s bill to address the region’s needs.

In a statement, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said he filed House Bill No. 9887 to “support urgent relief, recovery, rehabilitation, repair, and reconstruction efforts” of communities wrecked by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern island on June 8.

“Mindanao is reeling from one of the strongest earthquakes in recent memory,” he said. “Our people need immediate help to rebuild their lives, restore essential services, and recover their livelihoods.”

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“This bill delivers the substantial resources required to accelerate relief and long-term rehabilitation,” he added.

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READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to 68; 33 still missing

HB 9887 earmarked P2 billion each to the Department of Agriculture to repair irrigation systems and provide direct aid to farmers, and for the Department of Education to repair damaged schools.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is allotted P1.5 billion for emergency cash aid, food packs, and sheltering programs.

The measure also set aside P1.5 billion for the Department of Health to repair its hospitals and purchase medical supplies, and another P1 billion for local government hospitals outside its jurisdiction.

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Another P2 billion is allocated to housing aid and relocation through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the National Housing Authority, funding the construction of new units and repairs to damaged houses.

The bill allocated P1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways for road and bridge repairs, as well as the restoration of public buildings. Another P500 million is set aside for the Department of Transportation for the repair of airports, terminals and docks damaged by the earthquake.

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HB 9887 allotted P1 billion to Mindanao state universities and colleges for facility repairs, while affected local governments will receive a portion of the P2 billion allocated for road works, rehabilitation, and livelihood aid.

The bill also provided the Department of Energy with P500 million for power restoration efforts.

“We are making sure that the funding reaches the sectors that matter most to Mindanawons right now — our farmers and fisherfolk who feed the region, our children who deserve safe classrooms, our families who need roofs over their heads, and our local governments that know their communities best,” Adiong said.

The bill requires agencies and government units receiving funds to submit quarterly reports to Congress and the Commission on Audit, detailing amounts released, programs funded, and their beneficiaries, and the manner of procurement. /das

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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.