Marcos orders rapid quake response in Davao region

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered swift and coordinated emergency response efforts following the powerful earthquakes that struck the Davao Region on Friday, prompting the immediate deployment of relief aid, road-clearing crews, and emergency shelter support across the affected areas.

In the wake of the tremors that hit Davao Oriental, the earthquake’s epicenter, and surrounding provinces, including Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, Marcos directed key Cabinet officials to ensure the rapid restoration of normalcy. 

Among those mobilized were Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

Dizon earlier reported that all national highways are now fully passable, with provincial and municipal roads also being cleared and reopened. 

He noted that while some roads in mountainous areas were hit by landslides, most have already been rendered passable. 

Dizon added that initial inspections have revealed only minor cracks in bridges and other structures, with no major structural damage reported so far. 

He emphasized that the President has instructed agencies to act quickly to restore essential infrastructure and public services.

Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured the public that food and aid supplies are more than sufficient to support all affected communities.

“Even before the quake, we had pre-positioned 100,000 family food packs in the Davao Region. These are ready for immediate distribution,” Gatchalian said. 

He also noted that DSWD repacking centers in Manila and Cebu are producing 25,000 food packs daily, while additional resources from nearby regions such as Caraga are on standby. 

Gatchalian stressed that no affected family will go hungry, in line with President Marcos’ directive.

Temporary shelters are now being established in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and local government units, particularly for residents whose homes were destroyed or deemed unsafe. 

Large medical tents have also been deployed to assist hospitals facing structural issues.

Financial assistance for families with damaged homes is being prepared, Gatchalian added, even as the department simultaneously responds to other disaster-hit areas, including Masbate and Cebu.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that assessments of school buildings are already underway, with minor repair funds to be released directly to regional and division offices for quick action. For major repairs, DepEd is coordinating closely with DPWH to fast-track rehabilitation work.

"Before, coordination used to take longer. We’ve now sped that up,” Angara said. “Safety assessments will also be done before rebuilding to ensure the safety of students and teachers.”

DepEd is also working with the DSWD to assist displaced teachers and students through aid programs and temporary learning spaces.

Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Leo Tereso Magno also joined the ground response team to further enhance inter-agency coordination in the region.