Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the rapid reopening of all roads in earthquake-struck areas of Mindanao, calling it the government’s top priority to fast-track relief and restore power and water to affected communities.
According to a news release from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President made the directive during a visit to General Santos High School, where he inspected damage to the school and nearby facilities firsthand.
Roads, Power, and Water Top the Recovery List
Marcos said clearing blocked roads is key to getting help where it’s needed most. Many areas remain hard to reach because of landslides and damaged infrastructure, which have kept vehicles and utility crews out.
Power restoration has reached about 85 percent so far. The remaining areas stay without electricity largely because crews can’t get through.
- Some roads are damaged or buried under landslides
- Engineers and utility workers cannot access affected sites
- Water and electricity systems are being restored as roads reopen
To keep aid moving despite the blockages, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed helicopters to airlift food and medicine to isolated communities.
Financial Aid Rolled Out for Repairs and Families
The President announced several rounds of support drawn from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). Among the immediate releases:
- PHP 100 million to repair the General Santos City Hall
- PHP 50,000 for each family that lost a loved one in the disaster
- Additional LGSF funds, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for infrastructure repairs in Sarangani Province and South Cotabato
Marcos pointed to Sarangani as the hardest-hit area, noting that damage there outpaced other affected provinces.
Safety Checks on Schools and Hospitals
Authorities are now assessing the structural integrity of schools, hospitals, and other public buildings to protect residents, especially students and patients. Engineers are checking which structures can still be used and which need to be torn down and rebuilt.
The President stressed that some damage is already visible, but proper evaluation is needed before any building is declared safe.
For Filipinos abroad worried about loved ones back home, the government’s message is clear: relief is reaching even the most cut-off areas, and recovery work in Mindanao is moving as fast as conditions allow. Updates on aid distribution and rebuilding efforts are expected to continue in the coming days.