Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon pledged on Saturday full government assistance for the repair of local roads and public structures damaged by the series of earthquakes in Davao Oriental.
Dizon visited the province on Saturday together with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno to assess the situation and meet affected residents.
According to Dizon, based on DPWH’s initial assessment, all national roads in the Davao Region remain passable, while damage has been observed mainly on local roads affected by landslides following the tremors.
He added that the agency will turn over some of its quick response assets to the provincial government to expedite clearing operations.
Dizon also said that the DPWH will mobilize its full force to help establish medical tents, evacuation sites, and conduct structural assessments of schools, hospitals, and other public facilities in the province.
“Whether it’s a state of calamity or not, we’re already here. We’re going to give everything we can provide, especially immediate relief to the province and the affected municipalities. That’s the President’s number one priority,” he added.
Dizon emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all concerned Cabinet officials to ensure that the needs and safety of residents affected by the successive earthquakes are properly addressed.
