By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to expedite the assessment of public infrastructure in the Davao region, which suffered damage due to heavy rainfall brought by a low-pressure area.

“We need to complete the assessment of all damages and formulate a funding plan,” Marcos stated during a situation briefing in Davao City.

Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga of Davao de Oro presented a report indicating initial damages totaling over P3.6 billion for local and national roads, bridges, and flood control infrastructure in the province.

“We obtained these figures from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after requesting assessments and cost estimates for repairing and rehabilitating our roads, bridges, and revetments,” Gonzaga explained.

In the interim, Marcos instructed both local and national government agencies to provide shelter and support.

“At this point, our priority is to offer shelter and assistance to those who have been displaced,” remarked the President.

Davao de Oro was one of the hardest-hit areas, with over 36,000 families affected by the heavy rains caused by the shearline weather pattern over the region.

(el Amigo/MNM)