The Senate is preparing to extend assistance to communities in Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday.
In an interview on DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos,” Gatchalian said the government is prioritizing both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts in affected areas, particularly in General Santos City and nearby local government units.
“For 2026, sa kabutihang palad, mayroong malaking allocation ang NDRRMC fund,” Gatchalian said.
“Mayroon tayong almost 20 billion para sa reconstruction na puwedeng gamitin ng national government para sa reconstruction ng nasirang gusali doon.”
He added that local governments may also tap nearly P50 billion under the Local Government Support Fund to help finance rebuilding efforts.
Based on initial field reports, Gatchalian said local government units remain operational but continue to deal with significant infrastructure damage.
The senator also confirmed that members of the Senate are planning to visit affected areas within the week to personally assess the situation and coordinate assistance.
“Nagpre-prepare kami para bumisita. In fact, kahapon nga kaya nahinto ng maaga yung [Blue Ribbon] hearing kasi nagkaroon pa kami ng meeting at nagko-coordinate din kami sa mga agencies para tingnan kung ano yung tulong na pwede natin madala,” he said.
He added that the Senate majority is coordinating the planned visit while finalizing schedules and identifying forms of assistance, noting that Senator JV Ejercito, who chairs the Senate finance committee, is also working with local officials on reconstruction needs.
Gatchalian stressed that rebuilding efforts will prioritize critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and schools.
“Ang pinaka-naalala ko ay yung mga schools dahil alam naman natin may shortage na tayo. Kung masisira pa ang marami sa ating mga schools, lalaki ang shortage natin. So isa ‘yan sa mga binibigyan natin ng pansin,” he said.
He clarified that the assistance is not limited by political alignment, emphasizing that the funds were approved by the entire Senate as part of the national budget.
“Ito ay budget ng national government na inaprubahan ng Senado. Lahat ito ay kasama dito buong Senado. Walang majority, minority. Buong Senado inaprubahan ang budget at kaya ito para sa taong bayan,” he said.
Gatchalian added that his office remains open for coordination with fellow senators regarding additional support for affected communities.
“Ang ating focus right now: tulungan ang mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao at makita mismo ang sitwasyon doon,” he said.
