President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the release of more than ₱600 million in aid from the Office of the President (OP) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to assist local government units (LGUs) in Cebu reeling from the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province on September 30.
During his visit to Bogo City—one of the areas hardest hit by the quake—the President announced over ₱200 million in financial assistance from the OP. Of the total, ₱50 million will go to the Cebu provincial government; ₱20 million each to Bogo City, Sogod, and San Remigio; and ₱10 million each to Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.
The Chief Executive also directed the release of ₱20 million each to Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and ₱5 million each to provincial hospitals in Cebu.
Additionally, the DBM has been instructed to release ₱150 million from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to the Cebu provincial government and ₱75 million each to the LGUs of San Remigio, Bogo City, and Medellin.
“I assured all of our local executives that this is not a one-time assistance. We will continue to monitor and coordinate with local leaders to ensure the smooth progress of rehabilitation and the delivery of all necessary support,” President Marcos said after presiding over a situation briefing at the Bogo City Hall.
The President also announced that affected households whose homes were damaged by the earthquake would receive ₱10,000 in initial cash aid.
“We are providing ₱10,000 cash assistance to those displaced, especially to families who lost their homes. If more help is needed, we will assess and provide accordingly,” he added.
The government is expediting the setup of a tent city to serve as temporary shelter for displaced families who are still hesitant to return to their damaged homes.
Marcos assured residents that recovery efforts will continue until all affected communities are provided with their basic needs and local businesses are back in operation.
The President personally visited Bogo City on Thursday to meet with survivors, assess ongoing relief operations, and oversee the distribution of government assistance.
