President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday visited Davao Oriental to personally oversee relief and rehabilitation operations following the twin earthquakes that struck the province last week, affecting more than 166,000 families and damaging hundreds of homes.
Accompanied by members of his Cabinet, Marcos was briefed on the extent of destruction in the province, where at least three people died and around 500 houses were destroyed. He assured residents that the national government would extend full support until recovery is complete.
“Nandito at kasama ninyo ang inyong gobyerno,” said Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, quoting the President’s message during the visit.
Malacañang later confirmed that the Office of the President (OP) had released ₱158.3 million in cash aid to Davao Oriental and neighboring areas. Of this, ₱50 million went to the province, with additional funds distributed among several municipalities — including Mati City, Manay, Banaybanay, Lupon, Tarragona, Baganga, Boston, Cateel, Caraga, San Isidro, and Governor Generoso.
Marcos explained that local governments would directly receive the funds to allow flexibility in addressing specific needs. “As a former governor, alam ko na bawat lugar may kaibahan sa pangangailangan. Ang thinking namin ay ibigay na lang sa inyo ang pondo. Mas alam ninyo ang pangangailangan ng area ninyo,” he said.
Families who completely lost their homes will receive ₱150,000 each from the OP, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, distributed ₱10,000 in cash aid and hot meals to 35 affected families under its Mobile Kitchen Program.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is also deploying ₱20 million through its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP), along with 150 modular housing units and ₱5 million worth of construction materials.
During his visit, Marcos inspected the damaged Manay District Hospital and Manay National High School, emphasizing the urgent need for rehabilitation. He also met families staying in tents, noting the discomfort they face. “Pumasok ako sa tent. Ang init. Kaya nasa labas sila,” he said.
Marcos directed government agencies to replace temporary tent shelters with modular housing, saying these are “mas matibay at komportable” for longer-term use.
The President also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to carefully plan rebuilding efforts to ensure safer infrastructure. “Alam naman kung saan yung fault… dapat pag-isipan na mas matibay para pag ganito, hindi na masira,” he said.
Castro added that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) still has about ₱12 billion in contingency funds and could tap unprogrammed appropriations through the SAGIP fund if necessary.
