Additional P20-M financial aid earmarked for South Cotabato earthquake victims

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines — The national government has committed an additional P20 million in financial assistance for the rehabilitation of earthquake damaged communities in this province.

The commitment was announced Saturday, July 18, by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President during the 60th founding anniversary celebration of this province which coincided with the closing day of the 27th T’nalak Festival.

Undersecretary Athalia Leong, who represented Sec. Anton Lagdameo in the T’nalak closing  ceremony, said it was South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, House Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez, and the OSAP, that successfully secured the additional funding for earthquake relief through their efforts with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo

Leong stressed that the additional assistance reflects Malacanang’s continuing support for local governments and communities dealing with the impact of natural calamities.

“Magdadagdag po ng P20 million na karagdagang tulong ang pamahalaan nasyunal para sa mga nasalanta ng lindol sa probinsya,” Leong said.

Leong said the OSAP considers South Cotabato an important partner in strengthening communities and improving the delivery of government services, prompting the office to help extend additional assistance to residents affected by the disasters.

She also commended the provincial government for its unity and cooperation, saying its commitment to public service could serve as an example for other local government units.

The announcement came as South Cotabato marked its 60th Foundation Anniversary alongside the annual T’nalak Festival, a celebration that highlights the province’s cultural heritage and identity.

Also attending the celebration was Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who underscored the importance of unity and partnership among communities across Mindanao.

Macacua said the T’nalak cloth symbolizes the unity and diversity of South Cotabato, with its interwoven threads representing the collective strength that the Bangsamoro also seeks to build across Mindanao.

“This is also the story of South Cotabato, the story we aspire to write across Mindanao,” Macacua said.

He expressed hope that South Cotabato and the Bangsamoro would continue to strengthen their ties and build partnerships that could be carried forward by future generations. (Contributed story)