President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of over P600 million in aid for Cebu province following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.
During a visit to hard-hit Bogo City, Marcos Jr. announced P200 million in assistance from the Office of the President.
This includes P50 million to the Cebu provincial government; P20 million each to Bogo City, Sogod, and San Remigio; P10 million each to Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuelan; P20 million each for Department of Health (DOH) hospitals; and P5 million each for Cebu’s provincial hospitals.
The President also directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P150 million from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to the Cebu provincial government and P75 million each to San Remigio, Bogo City, and Medellin.
Marcos Jr. assured local officials that government support would continue beyond his visit.
“Hindi ito minsanan lang. Baka naman isipin ninyo na pag-alis namin dito tapos na lahat. Hindi,” he said.
The Chief Executive also announced an initial P10,000 cash aid for residents who lost their homes, with the possibility of additional support depending on recovery progress.
Temporary shelters, including tent cities, are being prepared as many families remain afraid to return to their homes.
Marcos Jr. said recovery efforts will continue until residents’ basic needs are met and businesses are fully operational.IMT
