SOUTH COTABATO — The Office of the President has committed an additional ₱20 million in financial assistance for South Cotabateños affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake, reaffirming the national government’s continued support for the province’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The announcement was made by Undersecretary Atty. Athalia B. Liong of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) during the opening program of the 27th T’nalak Festival on July 18. Liong attended the celebration as the official representative of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. and conveyed the message of support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Addressing thousands of festival participants, local officials, and guests, Liong emphasized that the Office of the President stands in solidarity with the people of South Cotabato as they continue to recover from the devastating earthquake while celebrating one of the province’s most significant cultural events.
“On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr., I am pleased to announce that the Office of the President will extend an additional ₱20 million in financial assistance to help the families and communities of South Cotabato affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake,” Liong said.
She noted that the assistance reflects the President’s commitment to ensuring that local government units receive the necessary support to restore affected communities and strengthen rehabilitation initiatives.
“The national government recognizes the resilience and determination of the South Cotabateños. Rest assured that the Office of the President remains committed to working closely with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato as it continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts,” Liong added.
Liong also acknowledged the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., commending the provincial government’s proactive response in addressing the needs of affected residents and ensuring that essential services remain accessible despite the challenges brought by the disaster.
She further emphasized that the partnership between the national and local governments is crucial in accelerating recovery programs and delivering timely assistance to communities in need.
The additional funding is expected to augment ongoing relief, rehabilitation, and recovery initiatives being undertaken by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato following the earthquake, which caused damage to infrastructure, public facilities, and private properties across several municipalities.
Despite the challenges brought by the disaster, the province pushed forward with the celebration of the 60th Foundation Anniversary and the 27th T’nalak Festival, highlighting the unwavering spirit, unity, and cultural identity of the South Cotabateños.
The announcement of the additional assistance during the festival carried a message of hope, demonstrating that recovery and resilience can go hand in hand. It likewise underscored the continuing collaboration between the national government and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato in ensuring that affected families receive the support they need while promoting the province’s rich cultural heritage.
Governor Tamayo welcomed the commitment from the Office of the President, describing it as a significant boost to the province’s ongoing recovery efforts and a testament to the strong partnership between the national government and South Cotabato.
The additional ₱20-million financial assistance reinforces the administration’s commitment to disaster response and rehabilitation, ensuring that recovery initiatives remain responsive to the needs of South Cotabateños as the province moves forward with resilience, unity, and renewed hope.
