Marcos returns to northern Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returns to north Cebu today to inspect the progress of relief and recovery operations following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro confirmed PBBM’s visit, and disclosed that she was invited to join the President and is expected to accompany him to both Bogo City and San Remigio.

This marks Marcos’ second visit to the area in less than two weeks, while Cebu remains under a state of calamity.

On October 2, the President flew to Bogo City to assess the damage, meet with local officials, and announce financial assistance for affected communities.

Today, Marcos Jr. is set to revisit Bogo to check on the tent city and proceed to San Remigio to inspect the newly completed modular shelter units (MSUs) — part of the first “Bayanihan Village” constructed in just seven days through a whole-of-government effort led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“Siya man gyud ang gusto ana —kanang tent city ba—so mao sigurong iya gyud ng gi-follow-up personally,” Baricuatro added, referring to the President’s keen interest in the temporary shelters.

Located in Barangay Poblacion, the Bayanihan Village provides safe, dignified shelter for families displaced by the quake.

“Ang utos ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay bigyan ng mas komportable at ligtas na masisilungan ang ating mga kababayan,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Aliling in a statement. “Kaya po nagtulung-tulong ang iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno para agad na mabuo ang Bayanihan Village na ito.”

Each MSU is equipped with electricity, lighting, windows for ventilation, and access to shared comfort rooms and lavatories. The DHSUD has begun turning over the units to the local government of San Remigio, which will handle beneficiary selection, maintenance, and site management.

“Ito ay bunga ng agarang pagtugon ng maraming ahensiya kasama na ang pribadong sektor sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo para sa pagtutulungan ng lahat patungo sa pagbangon ng Cebu,” Aliling added.

The rapid construction of the Bayanihan Village was made possible through the collaboration of DHSUD, DPWH (site development), DSWD (facility management), AFP, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, Office of Civil Defense, and at least two private firms that deployed additional manpower.

Similar Bayanihan Villages are being built in Daanbantayan — one of the hardest-hit towns in Cebu — and in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, which was struck by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake on October 10.

Baricuatro added that the President is also expected to visit the government hospital in Bogo, which he was unable to enter during his initial visit.

“Iyaha gyud tan-awan kay wa man siya kasud pag-una,” she noted as PBBM wasn’t allowed to enter the hospital pending safety inspection.

Baricuatro emphasized that the provincial government is not making any new requests at this time but expressed her desire to personally thank the President for fulfilling his earlier commitments.

The money promised has already been received: P150 million for the provincial government and affected LGUs.

Meanwhile, President Marcos recently received Hungarian National Assembly Speaker Kövér László in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace. “To begin with, allow me to thank your government for the assistance that you have given to us for our earthquake victims,” Marcos told Speaker Kövér, who is in the Philippines from October 14 to 17. The Presidential Communications Office, however, did not elaborate on the specific form of assistance provided by Hungary.

Speaker Kövér is also scheduled to visit Cebu to meet with Governor Baricuatro and Hungarian Honorary Consul Enrilen Joy Benedicto-Tan, as part of the continuing diplomatic engagement between the Philippines and Hungary, which established formal ties on September 28, 1973.

Currently, approximately 11,200 Filipinos are working in Hungary. —  (RAE) (FREEMAN)