A resolution has been filed in the Senate by Senator Joel Villanueva urging the national government to ensure sufficient funding and resources for the continued relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery of communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao last week.
Senate Resolution No. 447 calls for swift and coordinated government action to address the immediate needs of affected communities while preventing further economic disruption and strengthening support for local government units in recovery operations.
“There is an urgent need for a whole-of-government response to accelerate relief operations, restore essential services, provide adequate financial assistance to affected families, and undertake resilient and climate-adaptive reconstruction efforts,” Sen. Villanueva said in the resolution.
The resolution underscores the need to safeguard economic activity in affected areas and ensure that rehabilitation efforts support long-term recovery and stability.
It also notes that while existing disaster response mechanisms provide initial assistance, the scale of damage and rehabilitation requirements may exceed available resources, requiring additional government support for a sustained recovery program.
The measure warned that delays in restoring key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, logistics, and commerce could further impact livelihoods and regional economic activity.
It likewise calls for the immediate restoration of transport systems, water and power infrastructure, schools, and health facilities, with emphasis on rebuilding that is “resilient and climate-adaptive.”