The Marcos administration has mobilized a whole-of-government recovery effort for communities affected by the June 8 magnitude-7.8 earthquake in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, with Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos leading the rollout of national government programs in the municipality.

Abalos, on behalf of President Marcos, announced a P500,000 pledge from the Ciara Marie Abalos Foundation to help the municipal government acquire lots for the relocation of families displaced by the earthquake.

The Office of the President, through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, brought together national government agencies to deliver programs and assistance aimed at accelerating the municipality's recovery and rehabilitation.

Abalos was joined by Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce, representatives of participating national government agencies, local officials, and residents during the Aug. 21 rollout.

“Kung titingnan ninyo, ito na ’yung sustainability. Kasi nagawa na ’yon (If you look at it, this is now about sustainability because that has already been done),” he said, stressing the need to sustain government support beyond the initial response to the disaster.

The Palace Official said President Marcos had directed him to bring together government agencies under a whole-of-government approach to demonstrate the government's support for affected residents.

“Sabi na nga ng Pangulo, ‘Sige, Benhur, ’yung whole of government, ayusin mo sa iba’t ibang departamento para ipakita natin ang pagmamahal ng gobyerno sa mga taga-Jose Abad Santos’ (The President said, ‘Benhur, organize the whole of government across the different departments so we can show the people of Jose Abad Santos the government's support’),” Abalos said.

Participating agencies include the Philippine Coconut Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The agencies' programs cover housing and relocation, livelihood and skills training, agricultural assistance, employment opportunities, and social protection as affected families work to rebuild their homes and sources of income.

Abalos said the assistance is intended to address the basic concerns of families as they return to normal life, including access to food, housing, livelihood opportunities, and jobs.

“’Yung simple, ano'ng makakain mo sa araw-araw? Ano’ng titirahan mo? Ano ’yung livelihood mo? Ano’ng trabaho mo? (The simple things: What will you eat every day? Where will you live? What will be your livelihood? What will be your job?),” he said.

The activity forms part of the continuing implementation of Marcos' directive to provide focused government attention and assistance to earthquake-affected communities as they recover and rebuild.

Abalos said the government would also bring the same approach to other affected areas, including Glan and Malapatan, as national agencies assess their longer-term recovery needs.