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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Mag-ingat muna tayo': Marcos appeals for understanding as aftershocks slow down response in quake-hit Mindanao

'Mag-ingat muna tayo': Marcos appeals for understanding as aftershocks slow down response in quake-hit Mindanao

Published Nov 23, 2023 10:56 am

President Marcos has appealed for understanding if the government is unable to properly respond to the impacts of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao as aftershocks persist.

BBM SITUATION BRIEFING.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. holds a situation briefing on Nov. 23, 2023. (Photo courtesy of PPA Pool/KJ Rosales)

“Medyo mahirap kasi baka mag aftershock pa. So, mag-ingat muna tayo. ‘Pag ingatan muna natin (It is still difficult because there might be aftershocks. So, let us take care for now). We’ll just have to support the population that have lost their homes,” Marcos said during a situation briefing in General Santos City on Thursday, Nov. 23.

While reconstruction of damaged structures in areas in Mindanao cannot be undertaken immediately, Marcos assured affected communities that the government will promptly provide for their needs.

He stressed that the government will focus on providing help, including financial assistance and livelihood programs to affected farmers and fisherfolks.

The President also said that the reconstruction of damaged public schools and hospitals in Mindanao must be prioritized.

He tasked government agencies to reconstruct the schools and hospitals once the situation permits.

“Ang problema talaga, hanggang assessment lang muna tayo kasi hindi tayo pwede magtayo ng kahit ano ‘pag gumagalaw pa rin. Hindi feasible yung ganun (The problem is, we can only do assessment now because we cannot build yet due to aftershocks. It is not feasible),” Marcos said.

“Yung re-construction, yun ang kailangan natin lalo na yung eskwela … yung mga hospitals (We need to reconstruct the schools...the hospitals)," he added.

During the briefing, the President asked the extent of the damage of the strong quake that struck parts of Mindanao last week.

According to the local government of Sarangani Province, there were 20 public schools and 78 classrooms that were damaged by the earthquake while 32 schools were damaged in General Santos City.

All public hospitals are still operating, but an assessment will be conducted to determine the integrity of the buildings, the local government said.

Marcos told the local government that they should also start preparing construction materials for families who were left homeless so that they can start rebuilding their houses once the situation improves.

The Chief Executive further said that he will meet with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to discuss the frequency of the earthquake that struck Mindanao while he was in the United States on Nov. 17.

Related Tags

General Santos City aftershocks Mindanao earthquake President Marcos
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