Following a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed full mobilization of government agencies, placing the immediate safety and welfare of hospital patients at the center of the administration’s disaster response.
During a Malacañang situation briefing on Tuesday, President Marcos ordered the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to swiftly conduct structural assessments of all affected medical facilities. The President emphasized that safe relocation areas must be immediately identified for patients if their current facilities compromise their safety.
“President Marcos has made it clear that our patients in the affected areas require our most immediate and tender attention,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press briefing. “The DOH, led by Secretary Ted Herbosa, and the DPWH, led by Secretary Vince Dizon, are currently on the ground executing these critical assessments.”
To ensure that life-saving hospital equipment remains fully operational, the President has also instructed Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin to prioritize the restoration of electricity to all medical institutions.
In a direct Zoom consultation with General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, President Marcos assessed real-time ground conditions and assured local executives that the national government will provide all necessary resources to fast-track community recovery.
Key updates from the multi-agency response team include:
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Relief and Logistics: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed that relief operations are fully underway. The DSWD is partnering with the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Coast Guard to airlift essential supplies to remote communities cut off by land.
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Medical and Educational Support: The DOH has deployed robust medical teams and supplies to the region. Concurrently, the Department of Education is actively coordinating with local government units to guarantee the safety of students in affected school districts.
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Utilities and Communications: Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda reported that communication networks in the affected regions remain stable. Additionally, the DOE has successfully restored power to large portions of Mindanao.
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Critical Infrastructure: While the DPWH continues clearing obstructed roadways, the Palace confirmed that the Bucana Bridge in Davao City is safe and fully passable, ensuring that vital relief pipelines remain open.
President Marcos commended the swift, highly coordinated response of the state agencies but cautioned against complacency, reminding cabinet officials of the human element behind the data.
“The President reminds us that our work does not stop with the initial response,” Castro concluded. “He urges the entire government to use the image of our displaced and hungry countrymen as our ultimate motivation to serve, keeping our disaster readiness sharp and proactive in the days ahead.”
