GENERAL SANTOS CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally inspected earthquake-damaged facilities here and directed concerned government agencies to fast-track rehabilitation efforts in affected communities across Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region.

His visit forms part of the national government’s ongoing response to the disaster, aimed at ensuring the immediate delivery of assistance, the restoration of critical infrastructure, and the safety of affected residents.

Earlier, Malacañang confirmed that the President had ordered government agencies to immediately address the needs of earthquake-affected communities and ensure the swift implementation of relief and recovery measures.

The President was accompanied by high-ranking government officials, including SAP Anton Lagdameo, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, and St. Elizabeth Hospital Chief Executive Officer Tony Veneracion.

As part of the administration’s coordinated response, SAP Anton Lagdameo has been closely monitoring relief operations and inter-agency efforts to ensure the efficient delivery of government assistance to affected families and local government units across Mindanao.

Marcos first visited St. Elizabeth Hospital, one of the key medical facilities that sustained damage from the earthquake. During the inspection, he assessed the extent of the structural damage and discussed rehabilitation requirements with hospital officials and local authorities.

The President also inspected two public schools damaged by the earthquake: Romana Acharon Central Elementary School in Purok Cahilsot Village and General Santos National High School in Barangay Calumpang.

According to DepEd, the visit aimed to facilitate the immediate assessment of damage to educational facilities and expedite necessary interventions to ensure that students can safely return to their classrooms.

In addition to the rehabilitation efforts, the national government earmarked P100 million for the repair and restoration of the General Santos City Hall, which sustained damage during the earthquake. The government also announced financial assistance of P50,000 for the families of each casualty affected by the disaster.

Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), qualified earthquake-affected residents will receive P15,000 in financial assistance to help them recover from the impact of the calamity. Financial assistance packages are likewise being extended to affected families in Sarangani Province as part of the broader recovery and rehabilitation program in the region.

Following the inspections, Marcos proceeded to the General Santos City Oval Plaza, where affected residents received government assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Government agencies continue to conduct damage assessments in affected areas while mobilizing relief resources and implementing rehabilitation programs for communities impacted by the earthquake.

National and local authorities have assured residents that assistance, infrastructure repairs, and recovery efforts will remain a priority as Mindanao continues its recovery from the disaster.