Senate OKs reso urging gov’t to ensure fund for Mindanao recovery

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate adopted a resolution urging the government to ensure funds for the recovery of Mindanao after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake during its special session on Wednesday.

Sen. Joel Villanueva filed on Monday Senate Resolution No. 447, urging the government to “take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of adequate funding and resources for the relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery of communities” affected by the earthquake last June 8.

“Heroism saves lives, but resources rebuild communities. Compassion comforts victims, but funding restores livelihoods,” Villanueva said in his sponsorship speech.

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“We need to ensure that all available government funds and support are immediately mobilized to speed up relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and the restoration of livelihoods in the affected areas,” he added.

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At least 68 lives have been lost following the earthquake, according to the Office of Civil Defense. At least 1,000 people were also injured, while 30 remain missing.

The proposed measure was co-sponsored by Senators Erwin and Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Francis Pangilinan.

“Through this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to mobilizing relief efforts, providing emergency assistance, restoring essential services, and supporting the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas,” Erwin Tulfo said.

READ: Mindanao earthquake aid: Sandro Marcos slams ‘zero MOOE’ claims

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

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian authored another adopted resolution commending frontliners who responded to the earthquake.

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Senate Resolution No. 452 expresses gratitude to rescue workers, social welfare and healthcare personnel, local government units, uniformed services, civil volunteer groups, and humanitarian responders who aided in the aftermath of the disaster.

Urgent and pending bills were also tackled during the session.

The Senate ratified the bicameral committee report on the disagreeing provisions seeking to amend the financial assistance provided under Republic Act No. 10931, or the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.” It is among the urgent measures identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Meanwhile, the following Senate bills cleared the second reading after they were amended on the floor:

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Senate Bill No. 1990, or the Agricultural Cooperatives Act, authored by Pangilinan

Senate Bill No. 1991, or the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act, written by Pangilinan

Senate Bill No. 1905, or the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Senate Bill No. 2092, authored by Sen. Loren Legarda, recognizing waling-waling as the National Orchid of the Philippines, was also unanimously passed on third and final reading. /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.