President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the release of financial assistance totaling PhP298 million to local government units (LGUs) in the Davao and Caraga Regions affected by the two powerful earthquakes that struck on October 10.

During his visit to Manay and Tarragona municipalities in Davao Oriental – among the municipalities hardest hit by the quakes – President Marcos announced financial assistance from the Office of the President ranging from PhP15 million to PhP50 million to nine provinces.

The President also ordered the release of financial assistance to 12 affected cities and municipalities, ranging from PhP3 million to PhP15 million.

“It’s up to the LGU kung paano ninyo gagamitin ito,” President Marcos said during the situation briefing he presided over outside the Tarragona Municipal Hall in Davao Oriental.

“The reason binibigay namin itong pondo sa inyo dahil as a former governor I know that lahat ng bawat lugar may kaibahan sa pangangailangan,” added the President, who had served as Ilocos Norte governor.

“And that’s why ang thinking namin, ibigay na lang namin sa inyo ang pondo. Alam ninyo, mas alam ninyo kaysa sa amin ang pangangailangan doon sa area ninyo,” the President added.

The Office of the President has allocated financial assistance to the following affected LGUs: PhP50 million to Davao Oriental; PhP15 million each to the municipalities of Manay, Banaybanay and Lupon; PhP10 million each to Mati City and the municipalities of Tarragona, Baganga, Boston, and Cateel; PhP5 million each to the municipalities of Caraga and San Isidro; and PhP3 million to the municipality of Governor Generoso.

The Office of the President will also provide the following financial assistance: PhP20 million to Agusan del Sur province; PhP15 million to the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, and Davao City.

President Marcos said other affected LGUs will also be provided assistance.

The President also said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to the provinces affected by the earthquakes.

The President said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will tap their Quick Response Fund to support the repair of damaged buildings. | PND