Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the immediate clearing of roads and urgent repairs to hospitals in Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province, leaving widespread damage and dozens of casualties.

In an interview on DZRH’s Dos por Dos program, Dizon said that as of Wednesday, October 1, nearly 70 people have been confirmed dead, including residents of one barangay hit by a massive landslide at midnight.

According to him, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DPWH to prioritize rapid response operations.

“Ang instruction ng Pangulo, lahat ng mabilis na magagawa natin, gagawin natin. Para sa DPWH, ang first order ay i-clear po ang mga kalsada,” Dizon said.

He added that damaged roads were temporarily flattened to allow the passage of emergency vehicles and rescue teams. The most urgent task, however, is restoring services at the Bogo Hospital, where patients have been forced to stay outside after the facility became unusable.

“Nagbigay ako ng instruction na isang araw lang, ma-clear na agad ang ospital at talagang ayusin na agad para magamit na ang operating room, emergency room, at delivery room,” he stressed.

While no bridges collapsed during the quake, Dizon ordered structural inspections across Cebu to ensure safety.

Dizon is expected to return with President Marcos Jr. today, October 2, for further inspection and to oversee response operations.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang tayo at kailangan po talaga paspasan po talaga ‘yung trabaho doon,” Dizon said, emphasizing the urgency of the recovery efforts.