Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday returned to quake-affected areas in Soccsksargen to personally check on displaced families and oversee the delivery of government assistance following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on June 8. Marcos visited an evacuation center in Glan, Sarangani, where he met with affected residents and witnessed the distribution of relief assistance from various government agencies. Glan is among the worst affected municipalities by the powerful earthquake.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the visit, the President observed the distribution of family food packs and hot meals through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's mobile kitchen. Beneficiaries also received Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) worth PHP5,000 each, with 453 recipients identified in the municipality. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office likewise distributed 350 units of ChariTimba, a package containing essential household items.
As part of the government's continuing recovery efforts, Marcos turned over PHP20 million in assistance from the Socio-Civic Projects Fund to the local government of Glan. The President also provided a Starlink satellite internet unit to strengthen communications and support relief, recovery, and rehabilitation operations in affected communities.
Earlier in the day, Marcos conducted an aerial inspection of earthquake-hit areas in Sarangani. The President also inspected the Sapu Masla Bridge in Malapatan, one of the infrastructures damaged by the earthquake. The bridge was reopened to traffic on June 10 following emergency assessments and clearing operations.
Marcos likewise visited the Sarangani Provincial Hospital and led the turnover of a patient transport vehicle to the provincial government. The visit marked the President's second trip to earthquake-hit areas in less than a week. He earlier visited General Santos City on June 10 to inspect damaged schools, hospitals, and ongoing relief operations.
