Following the powerful earthquake that struck the Davao region on Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. immediately directed key Cabinet officials to ensure a swift, coordinated, and comprehensive emergency response, leading to the rapid deployment of relief goods, immediate road-clearing operations, and preparation of emergency shelters.
In line with the President’s directive to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, along with Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, immediately converged in Davao City to oversee operations.
Secretary Dizon reported that the DPWH immediately launched road-clearing operations across Davao Oriental (the quake’s epicenter), Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte. As of Saturday, all national highways are now fully passable.
“We have to move fast to bring normalcy to the situation,” Secretary Dizon stated, confirming that while assessment of damaged structures, including hospitals and schools, is ongoing, initial reports show no major structural damage to national bridges or road networks. Clearing of provincial and municipal roads affected by landslides is also progressing rapidly.
Secretary Gatchalian assured the public that the DSWD is fully prepared to support all affected families. “Before the earthquake, we had 100,000 family food packs pre-positioned in the Davao Region alone. These are ready for immediate distribution,” he said.
To ensure sustained support, DSWD repacking centers in Manila and Cebu are continuously producing 25,000 food packs per day, with additional stockpiles on standby in nearby regions. The DSWD is also closely coordinating with the Philippine Red Cross and local government units to establish temporary shelters, including the deployment of large tents for families with damaged homes and for hospitals that may have structural issues.
Financial assistance for families whose homes sustained damage is also being prepared. Secretary Gatchalian underscored the President’s commitment: “In terms of food, no affected family will go hungry. The President will ensure that.”
Secretary Angara confirmed that the DepEd has already begun assessing damage to school infrastructure. For minor repairs, funds will be released directly to regional and division offices to expedite restoration.
For major repairs, DepEd is streamlining coordination with the DPWH to ensure speedier reconstruction than previously possible. Crucially, DepEd and DPWH will ensure that all damaged school sites undergo necessary ground safety assessments before any rebuilding is undertaken to guarantee the safety of learners and teachers. Aid for affected teachers and students is also being prepared in coordination with the DSWD.
The concerted action by all Cabinet officials demonstrates a unified, whole-of-government approach, ensuring that recovery and rehabilitation efforts are executed with efficiency and speed for the benefit of all affected communities.
