Senator Joel Villanueva has called on the government to prioritize the needs of communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, stressing the importance of immediate relief, reconstruction, and recovery efforts.
Villanueva made the appeal after filing Senate Resolution No. 447, which seeks to accelerate government assistance and rehabilitation programs in the quake-hit areas.
According to the senator, restoring damaged infrastructure should be among the government's top priorities, particularly schools, hospitals, bridges, roads, ports, and other vital public facilities. He also emphasized the need to provide support to families whose homes were damaged by the disaster.
Villanueva warned that delays in rebuilding efforts could have far-reaching economic consequences, affecting agriculture, fisheries, logistics, and businesses in the region.
Meanwhile, the relief operations led by the team of Senator Risa Hontiveros continued on Monday in various communities in Sarangani and General Santos City.
Speaking during a visit to Barangay Hicban in General Santos City, Hontiveros assured earthquake victims of the Senate’s support and pledged to work with fellow lawmakers to include the region’s reconstruction requirements in the proposed 2027 national budget.
She emphasized that the assistance currently being distributed is only temporary and that long-term rehabilitation programs remain the priority for affected communities.
In a separate development, the Senate has strengthened security measures at its compound by installing an anti-explosive under-vehicle inspection system (UVIS) at its main gate. All vehicles entering the Senate premises will undergo inspection, with personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard tasked to operate the system.
