President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured sustained government assistance for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, along with the expedited release of emergency funds to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
Marcos gave the assurance during visits to Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato on Thursday, where he also inspected and inaugurated infrastructure projects, including the Antong Dam and Irrigation System Project. He likewise led the launch of government programs such as Bawat Bayan Makikinabang, the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP), and Walang Gutom Program.
The President said the government was taken by surprise by the intensity of the June 8 quake, which heavily affected several areas in Mindanao, including Sarangani and General Santos City, identified among the hardest hit. South Cotabato was also placed under a state of calamity after widespread damage across 170 barangays and more than 21,000 families.
Latest data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showed that 22,474 families, or 86,405 individuals, remain displaced across Regions IX, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Of those displaced, 5,801 families are currently staying in 64 evacuation centers, while 16,673 families are temporarily sheltered with relatives or friends.
Marcos said government agencies, including the DSWD and the Department of Health, continue to provide food packs, medical assistance, and other essential services to affected communities. He also said emergency cash aid is being distributed to help families rebuild damaged homes.
He noted that Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who joined the President during the program launch in Sarangani, later returned to inspect facilities in Glan to ensure structural safety following the quake.
The DSWD reported that more than ₱510.43 million in food and non-food assistance has already been delivered to affected families.
It also confirmed the arrival of 28 container vans of relief supplies from China, consisting of modular tents, sleeping kits, and kitchen kits, with allocations for the Davao Region and Soccsksargen.
The agency said it continues to maintain over ₱5.54 billion in standby funds and prepositioned relief goods for ongoing disaster response operations.