President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the creation of a ‘tent city’ that would serve as temporary shelter for citizens affected by the fatal 6.9 earthquake that struck the province.
Marcos visited Bogo City in Cebu, one of the worst hit areas in the province. During his visit to the province, Marcos viewed damaged buildings and observed aid distribution efforts.
Speaking to the media, Marcos said the earthquake has made it dangerous to stay indoors, even in evacuation centers.
‘Kukuha tayo ng mga tent na malalaki at itatayo natin, kagaya ng sinabi ko sa ating mga LGU (local government units) executives, ito ‘yung mga tent ng Red Cross na ginamit noong COVID. At ito ay mabilis itayo at kahit umulan hindi problema. Kaya ‘yun ang dadalhin namin dito sa ngayon,’ Marcos said.
(We will get large tents and we will set them up, like what I told the LGU executives, these are the tents that were used during COVID. These are quick to set up and even if it rains, there is no problem. This is what we will bring here.)
There will be adequate food and water supplies, as well as energy, he vowed.
Funds allocated. A total of P375 million has been benchmarked for the rehabilitation efforts in Cebu, according to the Department of Budget and Management.
Around P150 million of this will be released through the Local Government Support Fund, while P75 million is allocated for Bogo City specifically.
The Cebu earthquake has killed at least 72 people, with hundreds more injured and displaced. The entire province has been placed under a state of calamity.