The House of Representatives has committed to shoulder the medical expenses of individuals injured in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, including those confined in government and private hospitals.
The commitment was made during an on-site assessment in General Santos City and Sarangani Province, where lawmakers met with local officials and regional agency representatives to identify the immediate needs of affected communities and possible long-term recovery measures.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the House would help ensure that hospital bills for earthquake-related injuries are covered.
“In all hospitals where treatment is needed because of the earthquake, we will make sure our fellow Filipinos will have zero balance,” Rep. Dy said in Filipino.
He said additional funds should also be mobilized to help affected communities recover, particularly in areas where public facilities and critical infrastructure were damaged.
Aside from medical assistance, the House delegation inspected damaged public buildings, roads, bridges, hospitals, and other facilities that may require rehabilitation.
The assessment is expected to help Congress identify priority funding requirements for reconstruction and ensure that affected areas are considered in the proposed 2027 national budget.
Rep. Dy said hospitals should be among the first facilities repaired, citing their critical role in emergency response and the delivery of immediate care to residents.
Reports from local officials on damaged roads, bridges, and public facilities will also be reviewed to determine which projects need urgent funding support.
The House said findings from the inspection would guide rehabilitation and reconstruction planning for communities affected by the earthquake.