DAVAO CITY (October 14) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to keep government agencies on the ground in earthquake-hit Davao Oriental “until normalcy returns,” assuring residents of long-term support beyond emergency relief.
Marcos made the commitment during a post-disaster briefing in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, days after the magnitude 7.4 quake that struck on October 10. He also turned over ₱298 million in aid to affected local governments.
As part of recovery efforts, the President ordered the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to build 150 modular shelters starting Friday, replacing temporary tents with sturdier units equipped with toilets, water, electricity, and shared kitchens.
“These modular shelters are more durable, more comfortable,” Marcos said, adding that displaced families are expected to move in by Monday.
He urged local officials to relay their communities’ needs directly to national agencies, assuring continued presence of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, and DHSUD.
“So long as you need food, shelter, or medicine, we will be here,” Marcos said.
