Provincial Government Extends ₱2 Million in Quake Relief
The Provincial Government of Davao del Sur has allocated ₱2 million in financial assistance to two municipalities in Davao Occidental severely affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani, on June 8, 2026. The aid was approved by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on June 22, 2026, drawing from the 2026 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) Quick Response Fund (QRF). Each of the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos (JAS) and Sarangani will receive ₱1 million.
Resolution Authorizes Aid Under RA 10121
The assistance was formalized through Resolution No. 10, Series of 2026, signed by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas on June 22. The resolution cites Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which permits local government units to extend support to other LGUs affected by disasters. Both JAS and Sarangani had been placed under a state of calamity following the earthquake, which caused widespread damage to infrastructure, facilities, and communities.
Vice Governor Announces Initiative
Davao del Sur Vice Governor Marc Cagas announced the aid during the Monday Convocation at the Tablizo Gym inside the Provincial Capitol Compound on June 22. “Ang inyong provincial government mohatag og tag ₱1 million each sa Municipality of Sarangani ug Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental (Your provincial government will extend aid amounting to P1 million each to municipalities of Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental),” Cagas said. The initiative aims to bolster ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts in the two municipalities.
Gratitude from Recipients
JAS Mayor Jason John Joyce expressed thanks on Facebook: “Salamat (Thank you), Davao del Sur.” A resident of Davao Occidental, Florencio Petron, also shared appreciation: “Ma-feel gihapon namo nga taga-Occidental bisan pa na-separate nami gikan sa Del Sur, palangga gihapon mi ninyo. Salamat kaayo, DavSur (We in Davao Occidental can still feel that even though we have been separated from Davao del Sur, you still love us. Thank you very much, DavSur).”
Bayanihan Spirit in Disaster Response
The resolution emphasizes that the financial assistance reflects the spirit of bayanihan among neighboring local government units, especially during times of disaster. The earthquake severely affected several areas in the Davao Region, including JAS and Sarangani, where relief and recovery operations continue for affected communities.
