Quake-affected residents at a temporary shelter in Manay, Davao Oriental, expressed gratitude on Monday for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit, saying it renewed their hope amid the crisis.
Evacuee Christine Benaning shared that residents from remote areas hurried to the municipal hall upon hearing of the President’s arrival. “Thank you so much for personally visiting us, Mr. President. You showed us care and concern,” she said. Maxilino Bermudez Jr., from Barangay Jovellar, added, “I hope you can help us get through this. Thank you for your visit and help.”
Accompanied by key officials, Marcos inspected heavily damaged facilities in Manay—the earthquake’s epicenter—including the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital – Manay District and Manay National High School. He then visited Tarragona, assessing the severely damaged and unusable Regional Evacuation Center, and temporary tents in front of the Municipal Hall, where he spoke with evacuees.
Silvestra Matayam, whose home suffered major damage, said: “I thank the President for coming here. I hope he will help us rebuild our home.” Leonita Sumarago, a barangay health worker, described the trauma from the magnitude 7.6 quake but noted, “With the President’s visit, we know he will help us.”
During a situational briefing, Marcos stressed the urgency of providing durable shelters as rehabilitation starts. “[We need to provide] stronger, more comfortable shelters that can last—because rehabilitation and rebuilding will take time. We have to find a place where they can be well situated,” Marcos said.