Senate adopts reso seeking enough funding for Mindanao earthquake response

The Senate adopted Wednesday a resolution urging the national government to ensure the availability of adequate funding and resources for the recovery and rehabilitation of communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

Under Senate Resolution No. 447, introduced and sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva, it was pointed out that there is an urgent need for a whole-of-government response to accelerate relief operations, restore essential services, provide adequate financial assistance to affected families, and undertake resilient and climate-adaptive reconstruction efforts.

“While existing disaster-response mechanisms provide immediate assistance during emergencies, the magnitude of the destruction and the scale of rehabilitation and reconstruction required may exceed currently available resources, thereby necessitating additional government support to ensure a timely, comprehensive, and sustainable recovery effort,” the resolution read.

In his sponsorship speech during Wednesday's special session, Villanueva emphasized that the issue goes beyond funding and concerns the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos displaced by the disaster.

“Mr. President, Mindanao is a pillar of our national economy. It is an important source of food, agricultural products, and seafood. When Mindanao is affected, the entire country feels it,” he added.

Gratitude to humanitarian responders

The Senate likewise adopted Resolution No. 452, expressing gratitude to the rescue workers, social welfare and healthcare personnel, local government units, uniformed services, civil volunteer groups, and all humanitarian responders following the earthquake.

Introduced by newly elected Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, the resolution emphasized that the collective efforts of the frontliners significantly contributed to minimizing casualties and accelerated the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

“Such exceptional bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism, solidarity, compassion, and bayanihan in times of crisis, and gave reassuring hope and comfort to the affected families,” the resolution read.

“Whereas, it is fitting and proper for the Senate of the Philippines to recognize, commend, and honor the invaluable contributions and sacrifices of our frontliners and volunteers who responded selflessly to the needs of the people during this calamity,” it added.

The Office of the President earlier said a total of P278 million has been released under the Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF) for provinces affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that jolted Mindanao.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani has risen to 68, while more than 1.4 million people have been affected across Mindanao, according to the latest government data released by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). — RSJ, GMA News