Marcos orders faster rehabilitation of quake-ravaged areas

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — President Marcos ordered government agencies on Thursday to fast-track the rehabilitation of facilities destroyed by the recent powerful magnitude 7.8 that jolted southern Mindanao.

He noted there’s a need for sustained government interventions to help the localities and quake victims bounce back from the disaster.

“Kahit wala ng lindol, kailangan natin i-assess ang ibat ibang imprastraktura,yung mga pwede pang gamitin, yung mga hindi na pwedeng gamitin, at ano pa yung mga kailangan,” the President said in his speech here.

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The devastating quake destroyed infrastructure worth at least P2.3 billion, the Office of Civil Defense 12 said on Thursday.

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The worst quake-hit areas were General Santos City, Glan in Sarangani and parts of South Cotabato and Davao Occidental provinces.

READ: Over 720,000 affected by M7.8 Mindanao earthquake — NDRRMC

The quake ruined buildings and plunged General Santos and Glan into darkness for several days.

As of June 17, the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative II said it had restored power to 340,059 out of 343,352 consumer connections across its franchise area, equivalent to 99.16 percent restoration.

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READ: Phivolcs to public: No to complacency, be prepared for strong quakes

Marcos said the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, has transitioned from relief assistance to cash distribution phase for the quake victims whose houses were either totally or partially destroyed by the June 8 quake.

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Marcos visited Region 12 or Soccsksargen region anew on Thursday, swinging over the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

The President first went to Barangay Manili in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat to launch the Antong Dam and Irrigation System at around 11:30 a.m.

The Antong Dam, which was rehabilitated at a cost of at least P1 billion, is capable of irrigating up to 3,000 hectares of rice farmlands in the neighboring provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

Marcos then proceeded to Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato and seat of government of Region 12, for the “Bawat Bayan Makinabang” (Every Locality Should Benefit) activity.

Students who are recipients of the presidential scholarship graced the event, as well as local government officials and other stakeholders.

This is the third visit of the country’s chief executive in the region since June 8 when a powerful magnitude 7.8 quake struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani.

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Region 12 also includes Cotabato province. /cb

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.