South Cotabato Receives ₱122-M Development Fund, ₱30-M Disaster Assistance from National Government

The Province of South Cotabato has secured a total of ₱152 million in assistance and development funding from the National Government following the recent Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected several areas across Mindanao.

The funding commitment was announced during a situational briefing led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 15, together with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling.

The briefing gathered local chief executives and provincial officials from affected areas to present verified reports on the impact of the powerful earthquake, as well as ongoing response, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts being undertaken by local government units and national agencies.

As part of the government's disaster response assistance, South Cotabato will receive ₱30 million to support relief, rehabilitation, and recovery initiatives in communities affected by the earthquake.

In addition, the Office of the President committed ₱122 million under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for priority projects in South Cotabato. The funding is intended to strengthen local development programs, improve public services, and support infrastructure and community-based initiatives that will benefit residents across the province.

The allocation forms part of the ₱262-million LGSF package for the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, with South Cotabato receiving the second-largest share after neighboring Sarangani Province.

The additional funding is expected to enhance the province’s capacity to address the impacts of the earthquake while sustaining development programs that contribute to economic growth, improved public services, and stronger community resilience.

Apart from the financial assistance and development funding, South Cotabato also received additional support for its healthcare services. During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. received two Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), further strengthening the province's emergency medical transport capabilities.

The new vehicles are expected to improve access to healthcare services, particularly for residents in remote and far-flung communities, and complement the provincial government's ongoing efforts to provide quality and accessible healthcare to all South Cotabateños.

Governor Tamayo welcomed the National Government’s support, emphasizing that the funding will help accelerate recovery efforts and ensure the continued delivery of essential services to South Cotabateños in the aftermath of the disaster.