President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned to Cebu on Friday to personally assess the progress of recovery and rehabilitation in communities affected by the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.
The follow-up visit, building on the President’s initial assessment on October 2, underscores the administration’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the welfare, safety, and rapid recovery of affected residents through a sustained “whole-of-government” approach.
During his visit, President Marcos Jr. inspected key recovery sites demonstrating immediate governmental response:
Resilient Shelter Solutions:
The President visited the Bayanihan Village in Barangay Poblacion, San Remigio municipality, where the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) has swiftly deployed modular shelter units (MSUs). These MSUs provide safe and more comfortable temporary homes for families displaced by the seismic event.
Critical Infrastructure Restoration:
President Marcos proceeded to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Barangay Taytayan, Bogo City, which sustained significant damage. He inspected the ongoing repair and rehabilitation works being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the prompt restoration of crucial healthcare services for the region.
Ensuring Essential Services:
In Bogo City, one of the areas hardest hit, the President checked on the operational status of the Tent City established for evacuees. He ensured that the families sheltering there are fully provided with basic services, including reliable electricity, clean water, portable toilets, mobile bathing stations, and a mobile kitchen to meet immediate needs.
The President immediately mobilized key government agencies following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, whose epicenter was located near Bogo City. His initial visit on October 2 resulted in the immediate release of over PhP200 million in direct assistance from the Office of the President to the severely affected local government units (LGUs).
This critical financial support included an allocation of PhP50 million to the Cebu provincial government, PhP20 million each to Bogo City, Sogod, and San Remigio, and PhP10 million each to the municipalities of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuelan. Additionally, the President ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to promptly release the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to further boost provincial and municipal recovery initiatives.
President Marcos Jr.’s continuous presence and directive monitoring reflect the administration’s prioritization of resilient rebuilding and swift restoration of normalcy across Cebu Province.
