President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally visited Davao Oriental to assess the situation and provide assistance to residents affected by the recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

Accompanying the President were Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and other key officials who joined the coordinated response efforts in the province.

In a video recorded by RH Val Gonzales, President Marcos underscored the importance of constructing resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future disasters.

“Tignan natin kung saan banda ‘yong lindol. Kung nasaan ‘yong fault line, d’yan magkaka-lindol. ‘Yong mga area na gano’n dapat pag-isipan natin na medyo matibay-tibay para pagka ganito ay hindi naman masira, pati na rin ‘yong mga eskuwelahan,” the President said.

In a Palace press briefing, Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Clare Castro announced that President Marcos has allocated P158.3 million in financial assistance for the residents of Davao Oriental.

Of this amount, 50 million will go to the provincial government of Davao Oriental, while 15 million each will be distributed to the municipalities of Manay, Banaybanay, and Lupon.

Meanwhile, 10 million each will be provided to Mati City and the municipalities of Tarragona, Baganga, Boston, and Cateel.

The towns of Caraga and San Isidro will also receive P5 million each, while P3 million has been allotted for Governor Generoso.

According to Castro, the President personally visited the evacuation center at the Tarragona Municipal Grounds, where at least 225 families or 814 individuals are currently taking shelter.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, President Marcos reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and well-being of the earthquake victims remains the government’s top priority. He also assured the public that his administration is working around the clock to deliver aid to all affected communities.