President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed on Thursday to prioritize the re-construction of public schools and hospitals, which were damaged by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani Province last Friday, as soon as the situation improves.
In a situation briefing with the local and national government in General Santos City, President Marcos said that the government could not yet start the re-construction of damaged schools and hospitals due to continued aftershocks.
“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,” President Marcos said.
“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.
An official of the local government of Sarangani Province told President Marcos that there were 20 public schools and 78 classrooms that were damaged by the earthquake while an official of General Santos City said that 32 schools were damaged.
For hospitals, an official said that all public hospitals are still operating, but an assessment will be conducted to determine the integrity of the buildings.
While the government has yet to determine the extent of the damages left by the strong tremor, President Marcos ordered the government officials to continue providing the necessary assistance to families affected by the disaster.
President Marcos added that the government should start preparing construction materials for families who were left homeless so that they can start rebuilding their houses once the situation improves.
“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,” President Marcos said.
“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,” the chief executive added.
The President also asked for the people’s understanding as he emphasized that the government cannot respond properly due to the recorded aftershocks but he stressed that the necessary assistance will be extended.
“Medyo mahirap kasi baka mag aftershock pa. So, mag-ingat muna tayo. ‘Pag ingatan muna natin. We’ll just have to support the population that have lost their homes,” President Marcos said.
He added that the government will also focus on providing help, including financial assistance and livelihood programs to affected farmers and fisherfolks.
President Marcos said that he will meet with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to discuss the frequency of the earthquake that struck Mindanao. PND
