Davao occidental: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed national government agencies to sustain a whole-of-government approach to assist in the long-term recovery and reconstruction of disasters-hit Jose Abad Santos, a coastal town in Davao Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized that the Marcos administration is moving beyond immediate emergency relief toward long-term interventions focused on housing, employment, agriculture, and livelihood restoration for affected families. Abalos stated, "Sabi nya ayusin mo ang iba't ibang departamento para maipakita natin ang pagmamahal ng gobyerno. Ito po ay whole-of-government, ibig sabihin, lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno ay nandito ngayon para tumulong sa inyo. Hindi lang po ngayon, aalalayan kayo hanggang makabangon tayo."
During his visit to the municipality over the weekend, Abalos highlighted that fourteen national government agencies joined the latest mission, delivering comprehensive assistance packages across multiple sectors. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development committed 100 modular shelter units, while the National Housing Authority provided cash assistance to families whose homes were totally damaged. In addition, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources committed timber to rebuild homes, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau assessed possible relocation sites.
For economic recovery, the Department of Labor and Employment provided TUPAD cash-for-work opportunities to residents with damaged homes. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered livelihood training for farmers and fisherfolk, while the Department of Trade and Industry will assist in packaging and marketing products developed through the training. The Department of Agriculture provided animals, seeds, and seedlings to help affected farmers resume production. Furthermore, the Philippine Coconut Authority distributed food and non-food assistance to 1,200 coconut farmers.
On the front of social protection and health, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided additional cash assistance to earthquake-affected families, supplementing aid previously extended through its Emergency Cash Transfer and UPLIFT programs. The Department of Education provided Learning Continuity Spaces to serve as temporary classrooms, and the Department of Health continued medical and sanitation support in tent cities.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways continued clearing rivers and roads, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology provided Starlink connectivity to selected affected communities. Abalos remarked that the government's interventions are designed to address families' basic needs while helping them regain stable sources of income and return to normal life.
Mayor Jason John Joyce of Jose Abad Santos expressed gratitude towards President Marcos and Secretary Abalos for the sustained government assistance following the town's devastation caused by a destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake in June, followed by massive landslides and flash floods due to heavy monsoon rains in July. Abalos also noted that similar recovery assessments will be conducted for other affected areas, including Glan and Malapatan.
