Senators urge quick response from national agencies after Mindanao earthquake

Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Monday, several senators urged concerned national agencies to immediately conduct immediate emergency operations to assist communities in the affected areas.

In a statement, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian called for an all-hands-on-deck response by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local government units to expedite search, rescue, and relief operations.

“The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani Province is deeply concerning, particularly given initial reports of damaged structures, a tsunami warning, and disrupted utility services across Mindanao,” Gatchalian said.

“Many schools in the province are also affected, with classes having just opened today. I also urge the Department of Education to prioritize the safety of teachers and learners,” he added.

With the opening of classes coinciding with the earthquake, Gatchalian said, checking the structural integrity of school buildings and the provision of psychosocial support for learners and teachers should also be met.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said his office has been coordinating with disaster response agencies to help with their evacuation, relief, and emergency operations.

“Itinutulak din nating mabigyan ng intervention ang mga batang mag-aaral na na-trauma sa kanilang first day of school,” Pangilinan added.

(We are also pushing for interventions to be provided for young students who were traumatized during their first day of school.)

Aside from psychosocial support, Senator Bong Go called for quick livelihood interventions for those who lost their livelihoods or jobs.

“Umaapela ako sa mga ahensya ng national government na mag-latag ng mabilis na interventions para sa mga nawalan ng kabuhayan, lalo na ang mga ordinaryong manggagawa sa mga establisyemento na pansamantalang nagsara dahil sa pinsala,” said Go, a a native of Davao City.

(I appeal to our national government agencies to implement immediate interventions for those who have lost their source of income, particularly the ordinary employees of establishments forced to temporarily close due to the structural damage.)

Go said other basic needs, such as power restoration and road clearing, should be among the priority actions.

Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla implored local government units as well as residents to intensify information dissemination efforts and appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information.

“Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, bawat minuto ay mahalaga. Ang mabilis na pagkalat ng tamang impormasyon ay makapagliligtas ng buhay,” Padilla said.

(During crises like this, every minute is critical. The rapid dissemination of accurate information has the power to save lives.)

Padilla said the public should only rely on official advisories from PHIVOLCS, NDRRMC, LGUs, and other authorized government agencies.

The senators extended their prayers and sympathies to affected communities and individuals, especially those who lost family members. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News