Multiple departments and officilas have also flown to the affected areas in light of the situation.
On Tuesday, June 9, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered concerned government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens affected by the Magnitude 7.8 quake that struck on Monday.
HEALTH AND FOOD ASSISTANCE
Marcos, she told, highlighted the need to immediately assess affected hospitals and identify safe areas where patients can be relocated if necessary.
“Ipinag-utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na siguraduhin ang kapakanan ng mga pasyente sa mga ospital na naapektuhan ng lindol kahapon sa Mindanao,” Castro said. “Partikular na inutusan ng Pangulo ang DOH (Department of Health) – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Ted Herbosa – at ang DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Vince Dizon – na magsagawa ng assessment sa lalong madaling panahon.”
In addition, the DOH has also deployed sufficient medical assistance and supplies for earthquake victims.
The Chief Executive also instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin to prioritize restoring electricity supply to hospitals.
“Ayon sa Pangulo, higit na nangangailangan ng agarang atensyon ang mga pasyente sa mga lugar na niyanig ng malakas na lindol,” said Castro.
Meanwhile, during a situation briefing on Tuesday morning, President Marcos also spoke via Zoom with General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao to discuss the situation on the ground and their immediate needs.
“Ayon sa Pangulo, gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng makakaya nito upang maibigay ang kaukulang tulong sa mga apektadong komunidad,” Castro said.
For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed food assistance to victims of the quake.
The government also told that it is “working around the clock” to ensure the timely delivery of relief supplies, including up to the hardest-hit and most remote communities.
“Kahit po ‘yung mga malalayong lugar at ‘yung mga lugar na hindi naaabot ng mga sasakyan natin sa ngayon dahil nasarahan po at nagkaroon ng landslide, nagawan po nila (DSWD) ng paraan para maabot ang mga kababayan natin,” Castro said.
She added, “Hindi po dapat mag-alala sa mga pagkain, sa mga food packs, para makarating sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng lindol,”
As of 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, the DSWD has already deployed 2,045 family food packs (FFPs), 2,705 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, and 360 non-food items to affected families in Mindanao, particularly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Beyond food assistance, Castro said the government is also prioritizing the safety of displaced victims by ensuring they have a safe place to stay following the disaster.
“Inaasikaso po ito ngayon. Nakita po natin kanina sa meeting, ‘yan ang inuna ng Pangulo na ang mga kababayan natin na walang matirahan ay maaari sila munang manatili sa mga evacuation centers at sa mga provided na tents na sinasabi po ng DSWD.”
COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRICITY
In terms of telecommunications and internet services, Malacañang said that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has assured that connectivity is largely stable in affected areas.
Citing DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Usec. Castro said communication networks in the affected areas continue to function despite the strong earthquake.
“Binigyang-diin naman ni DICT Secretary Henry Aguda na stable ang connectivity sa affected areas,” she said.
The DICT said in its official Facebook page that it is closely monitoring telecommunications and connectivity conditions in affected areas and coordinating with concerned government agencies and private-sector partners to ensure uninterrupted communication services for emergency response operations.
“As of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, initial reports showed that Globe Telecom services remained fully operational, while Smart Communications continued normal operations despite localized reports of weak signal in General Santos City. Smart also successfully transmitted emergency cell broadcast alerts following the earthquake,” the DICT said.
According to DITO Telecommunity, meanwhile, 54 sites are offline across parts of Mindanao due to cable cuts and power interruptions, but maintained a service availability rate of 95.83 percent.
Converge ICT Solutions, for its part, reported no backbone or access network downtime, although several facilities were operating on backup power following precautionary utility shutdowns.
im some areas, including General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Koronadal City, experienced power and internet interruptions. However, connectivity conditions remained stable in Marawi City, Sultan Kudarat and parts of North Cotabato.
The DICT and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) are already facilitating the immediate deployment of three Starlink satellite internet units to General Santos City and other priority areas in Sarangani Province.
Meanwhile, the DOE has since confirmed that power supply has already been restored in many parts of Mindanao, while the DPWH is working to reopen impassable roads.
Castro noted that the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe and passable, allowing the continued transport of relief goods and emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education has been constantly coordinating with local government units to ensure the safety and welfare of students in affected schools.
FUNDS ADEQUATE
Prior to these, on Monday, the Palace assured that the government has sufficient funds to respond to the recent Mindanao earthquake.
“Nag-utos na ang Pangulo at kailangang tumugon ang lahat ng ahensiyang involved dito at concerned agencies at alam natin na ang pondo sa ngayon ay sapat pa para sa pagsasagawa ng pagliligtas at pag-rescue at para maibsan ang impact ng nangyaring sakuna nitong araw na ‘to,” Castro said following the directive of President Marcos to deploy resources to aid affected individuals of the tragic quake.
According to President Marcos, the OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are also coordinating disaster response efforts and monitoring the situation across all affected areas.
Meanwhile, Castro also confirmed that President Marcos is scheduled to visit Mindanao to personally assess the situation and ensure that government response efforts are addressing the needs of affected communities.
