Cebu to get P200M in aid after deadly quake; President orders quick rehab

THE Office of the President will release more than P200 million to Cebu province and its local governments to support rehabilitation efforts after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck on Tuesday night, killing at least 72 people and injuring almost 300.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. inspects the SM Cares Village, a relocation site for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

(PCO)

The provincial government said in a Facebook post that P50 million would go to Cebu province, while allocations would be distributed among 10 cities and municipalities, including Bogo City, San Remigio and Sogod, which will all get P20 million each.

Smaller amounts were earmarked for Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan.

In a separate Facebook post, Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco "Duke" D. Frasco said the Office of the President had also pledged P10 million in aid for the municipality of Borbon, which he said was also severely affected by the quake.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. pledged P20 million more for Department of Health hospitals and P5 million for local government-run hospitals.

He also ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P150 million from the Local Government Support Fund to Cebu, along with P75 million each for Bogo City, San Remigio and Medellin.

"We will ensure that people have what they need food, water, electricity if a generator is needed," Mr. Marcos said during a situation briefing in Bogo City, the quake's epicenter. "Hospitals will be repaired quickly, and disaster response strengthened under a whole-of-government approach."