Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged ₱298 million in financial assistance to local governments in the Davao and Caraga regions affected by the twin earthquakes that struck southeastern Mindanao on Oct. 10.
During a situation briefing in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, one of the hardest-hit towns, Marcos ordered the release of funds from the Office of the President to help communities recover from the 7.4- and 6.8-magnitude tremors that killed at least eight people, injured hundreds, and displaced thousands.“It’s up to the LGUs how to use it,” Marcos said during the briefing outside the Tarragona municipal hall. “The reason we’re giving these funds is that, as a former governor, I know every locality has different needs.”The President said Davao Oriental will receive ₱50 million, while the municipalities of Manay, Banaybanay and Lupon will get ₱15 million each. The city of Mati and the municipalities of Tarragona, Baganga, Boston and Cateel will each receive ₱10 million, Caraga and San Isidro ₱5 million each, and Governor Generoso ₱3 million.Other affected provinces will also receive assistance: ₱20 million for Agusan del Sur, and ₱15 million each for Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Davao City.Marcos said more funds will be forthcoming from the budget and public works departments.Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang said the quake impacted more than 166,000 families, with 503 houses totally destroyed and 8,055 partially damaged. He added that three people were killed and more than 300 others injured.The Office of Civil Defense reported that across Mindanao, more than half a million people were displaced. Power and water services were mostly restored, though several roads remain under repair.Marcos said 150 modular shelter units will be installed beginning Friday, Oct. 17, for displaced families while permanent reconstruction takes place.
