Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong has filed a bill seeking a ₱15 billion supplemental budget to fund emergency relief, recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao on June 8.
The proposed legislation aims to provide immediate financial support to the hardest-hit communities, particularly in Regions XI and XII, where the powerful tremor caused severe infrastructure damage and widespread displacement.
“Mindanao is reeling from one of the strongest earthquakes in recent memory. Our people need immediate help to rebuild their lives, restore essential services, and recover their livelihoods. This bill delivers the substantial resources required to accelerate relief and long-term rehabilitation,” Adiong stated.
Expressing his personal solidarity with the victims, the lawmaker emphasized the urgency of legislative intervention for his fellow Mindanaoans.
“This bill is close to my heart. As a Mindanaoan, I deeply feel for my brothers and sisters across the region who are now struggling to pick up the pieces after this tragedy. We must stand with them and give them the support they urgently need.”
Under House Bill 9887, the requested funding will bolster the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, with specific allocations distributed among key government departments:
- Department of Agriculture (₱2 billion): For irrigation repairs and financial assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
- Department of Education (₱2 billion): To reconstruct and repair damaged school buildings.
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (₱1.5 billion): Earmarked for emergency cash grants and relief distribution.
- Department of Health (₱1.5 billion): Allocated for medical equipment and the restoration of damaged healthcare facilities.
- Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development & National Housing Authority (₱2 billion): To fund emergency housing and relocation initiatives.
The remaining balance of the supplemental budget will be managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways alongside local government units. These funds will cover the immediate restoration of power grids, transport facilities, roads, bridges, and state campus infrastructure.
To prevent mishandling, the bill integrates strict accountability protocols. Beneficiary agencies must submit quarterly progress reports to both Congress and the Commission on Audit.
“The people of Mindanao have shown remarkable resilience. It is now our duty as legislators to match that resilience with decisive action and adequate resources. Let us pass this bill without delay so that help reaches the ground as fast as possible,” Adiong urged.
House Bill 9887 serves as the lower chamber’s counterpart to a parallel relief measure recently introduced in the Senate by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.