RDC-7 seeking approval of remaining quake funds

CEBU, Philippines — Only P856.45 million of the P4.494 billion requested for the rehabilitation of schools and bridges damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu in 2025 has so far been released, prompting the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 to seek the immediate approval of the remaining funds.

The request forms part of two resolutions endorsed by the RDC Full Council on June 24, 2026. Led by RDC Chair Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, the two resolutions urge the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office and the Department of National Defense (DND) to prioritize the release of nearly P6.6 billion in disaster rehabilitation funding covering both the earthquake and Typhoon Tino.

The council said the funding is needed to restore damaged public infrastructure, accelerate the recovery of affected communities, and strengthen Cebu's resilience against future disasters.

P3.6 billion  still pending

Under the DPWH Quick Response Fund (QRF), Region 7 proposed 148 rehabilitation projects worth P4.494 billion.

The projects include the repair of 143 school buildings and the rehabilitation or reconstruction of five bridges damaged by the September 2025 earthquake.

Of the total amount requested, only P856.45 million has been released, leaving P3.637 billion still awaiting approval.

For school buildings alone, the DPWH sought P4.184 billion but has so far received only P795.23 million, leaving an unreleased balance of P3.389 billion.

For bridges, the agency requested P310 million, but only P61.21 million has been released, leaving P248.79 million still pending.

In a resolution, the RDC called on the DPWH Central Office to "prioritize the approval and release of the remaining Quick Response Fund allocation for structures in Cebu damaged by the September 30, 2025 earthquake."

Additional requests

Apart from the Quick Response Fund, DPWH Region 7 also requested P105.6 million under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF). The proposed allocation includes P60.61 million for the construction and site development of four Tent Cities, or Smart Houses, and another P45 million for the repair and rehabilitation of two local buildings. The RDC is likewise asking the DND to prioritize the approval and release of the requested funding.

Typhoon Tino Assistance

The council is also pushing for the release of P2.941 billion under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Assistance Program (DRRAP) for 14 Cebu local government units affected by Typhoon Tino, which struck the province on Nov. 4, 2025.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-7 has already submitted the documentary requirements supporting the funding requests of the affected LGUs.

Among the biggest proposed allocations are Consolacion with P514.82 million, Danao City with P460 million, Talisay City with P415 million, Cebu City with P323.02 million, Compostela with P258.6 million, Liloan with P252 million, Mandaue City with P183 million, San Francisco with P149 million, Toledo City with P135 million, and Balamban with P133.62 million.

Smaller allocations include Asturias with P58.78 million, Pilar with P24.5 million, Tudela with P16.9 million, and Poro with P16.7 million. In its resolution, the RDC requested the DND to "prioritize the approval and release of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund–Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Assistance Program funding for Typhoon Tino-affected local government units and earthquake rehabilitation projects in Cebu."

The council maintained that the immediate release of the requested funds is necessary to restore critical public infrastructure, speed up the recovery of communities affected by the two disasters, and improve the province's disaster resilience.