Marcos: Prioritize reconstruction of schools, hospitals hit by Mindanao earthquake

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday issued marching orders to concerned agencies to put to fore the reconstruction of schools and hospitals that were damaged by the powerful earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao on Friday last week. 

Marcos made the remarks in a situation briefing with local and national officials in General Santos City, one of the hard-hit areas of the magnitude 6.8 earthquake. He personally visited the area to monitor the current conditions of the earthquake victims. 

“Ang problema talaga, hanggang assessment lang muna tayo kasi hindi tayo pwede magtayo ng kahit ano ‘pag gumagalaw pa rin. Hindi feasible ‘yung ganun. Masisira lang ang bago nating ilalagay,” he said. 

(The problem is we cannot start the reconstruction because of the aftershocks. It is not feasible.)

“Yung re-construction, ‘yun ang kailangan natin lalo na ‘yung eskwela… ‘yung mga hospitals, what is the damage? Ano extent ng damage? ‘Pag sinabing damaged, what does that mean? Are they still operating, o talagang nasira na, ano ‘yung situation?” he added.  

(What do we need for the schools and hospitals? What is the extent of the damage? Are they still operating?)

At least 20 public schools and 78 classrooms were affected by the strong tremors in Sarangani province while 32 schools were damaged in General Santos City.

All public hospitals remain operational but an assessment will be conducted to determine the integrity of the buildings. 

“Hindi pa talaga tayo tapos sa assessment. Pero habang ginagawa natin ‘yan, habang ini-inspection ‘yung mga structures, the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] will provide all of the assistance that we always give with the LGU’s help,” said Marcos Jr. 

(We are not yet done with the assessment. But while we’re doing that, the DSWD will provide assistance.)

“We will respond already. Lahat ng mga – ‘yung naging biktima na nawalan – umalis sa bahay nila, we will look after them na mabigyan natin sila ng mga hygiene kit, food packs, and all that,” he said. 

(We will respond directly. All earthquake victims including those who left their homes will be given aid, especially hygiene kits, and food packs.)

Nine people were reported dead in the November 17 earthquake, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The epicenter was located 05.48°N, 125.16°E - 034 km N 88° W of Sarangani Island (Davao Occidental) at a depth of 72 km. PHIVOLCS initially put the earthquake's magnitude at 7.2.

Five deaths were reported in Sarangani, three in South Cotabato, and one in Davao Occidental.

In addition, 30 individuals were reported to have suffered injuries.

A total of 41,818 people or 8,903 families in 113 barangays in Davao Region and Soccsksargen were affected by the earthquake.

DPWH, PPA tasked to asses damage

Marcos also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to assess the damage of the massive quake to major government infrastructure such as roads, and bridges. 

The Philippine Ports Authority was tasked to check the damages to seaports. 

A state of calamity was raised in the municipality of Glan on Tuesday due to the quake. 

As of November 21, over 20,000 families have been affected by the earthquake and about 3,000 houses were destroyed. Five people were also killed in the municipality.—LDF, GMA Integrated News