OP releases P278-M aid for provinces hit by Mindanao earthquake

The Office of the President has released a total of P278 million under the Socio-Civic Project Fund (SCPF) for provinces affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.

Under the assistance program, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Sarangani and General Santos City will receive P50 million each.

South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat have been allocated P30 million each, while Davao Occidental and the municipality of Glan in Sarangani will receive P20 million each.

Zamboanga City has also been allotted P15 million. Twelve other affected local government units will receive assistance ranging from P3 million to P10 million.

According to the PCO, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the funds will support relief operations, the restoration of basic services, and rebuilding efforts in quake-hit areas.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier released P100 million to General Santos City for the repair and rehabilitation of its damaged city hall.

An additional P50 million each will also be turned over to the municipalities of Alabel and Glan in Sarangani for the repair of government buildings and a hospital damaged by the earthquake.

Marcos also extended P20 million in SCPF assistance to Glan during his visit on Monday, where he likewise turned over a Starlink unit to improve communications and speed up relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.

During the visit, the President witnessed the distribution of family food packs and hot meals through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) mobile kitchen, as well as the release of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) amounting to P5,000 each for more than 400 beneficiaries.

He also visited the Sarangani Provincial Hospital in Alabel to check on patients and inspect damaged facilities, and led the turnover of two patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to enhance emergency response and health service delivery in the province.

Marcos further inspected the Sapu Masla Bridge in Malapatan, which was damaged by the quake, and visited Malapatan National High School to assess damage to its technical-vocational building.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the number of families affected by the earthquake has risen to more than 176,000, with at least 65 reported deaths and over 1,400 injuries.

Fourteen cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity due to the quake’s impact.—MCG, GMA News