SENATOR Bam Aquino on Friday pledged to help secure funding for the rehabilitation of the Mindanao State University–General Santos (MSU-GenSan) following extensive damage caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

Aquino visited the university campus to personally assess the damage sustained by several academic buildings and facilities. During the visit, he met with MSU-GenSan Chancellor Shidik Zed Abantas and other university officials to discuss the institution’s recovery needs and the measures necessary to restore normal operations.

The senator committed to helping secure resources for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of damaged structures to ensure that students and faculty members can safely resume teaching and learning activities.

University officials earlier estimated that the earthquake caused approximately P900 million in damage to campus infrastructure. Abantas has appealed for national government assistance to support the university’s recovery efforts.

Aquino said discussions with university officials revealed that previously approved funds from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for MSU have yet to be released. He stressed that the funds could provide much-needed support for the rehabilitation of classrooms, academic buildings, and other campus facilities.

“Napag-usapan na rin namin ni Chancellor na meron pa ring utang ang CHED dito sa MSU at dapat naka-pondo na iyon. Dapat bayaran na iyon,” Aquino said.

“Mamadaliin namin na mabayaran iyon para magamit kaagad ng MSU sa pagsasaayos ng kanilang mga gusali at pasilidad,” he added.

Aquino emphasized that restoring educational facilities should be a priority to minimize disruptions to students’ learning and ensure the continuity of higher education services in the region.

He also underscored the importance of swift government action in responding to the needs of communities affected by the earthquake.

“Mahalaga na dumating agad ang tulong. Ang hinahanap ng ating mga kababayan dito ay iyong agarang at mabilisang aksiyon,” he said.

Aquino said he is coordinating with relevant government agencies to expedite assistance and address both the educational and humanitarian needs arising from the disaster.

In addition to inspecting the university, the senator distributed relief goods and assistance to affected local government units and non-government organizations, including Angat Buhay Foundation.

His office has also been providing food, drinking water, and other relief supplies to earthquake-hit communities in General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao while working with partner organizations on the ground.

The visit highlighted the urgent need for investments in disaster-resilient educational infrastructure as universities and schools across Mindanao continue their recovery efforts following the powerful earthquake.