With Cebu reeling from the devastation of a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered power and basic services restored within 48 hours to speed up recovery in affected communities.
In a situation briefing on Thursday, October 2, Marcos stressed the urgency of restoring utilities and critical operations.
He said the government expects to bring back energy supply and basic services within two days, underscoring that power restoration remains the most vital step to help communities recover quickly.
The President reported immediate progress in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas. He said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin assured him that the entire city would have electricity by the end of the day.
He also confirmed developments in healthcare facilities. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sent engineers to a hospital where patients stayed outside after the quake. Engineers inspected the building, cleared it as safe, and allowed patients to return inside.
Marcos added that the Cebu Provincial Hospital sustained power through generator sets while the Department of Energy prioritized its reconnection to ensure continuous service.
Earlier, he visited damaged communities in Bogo City, inspected infrastructure, and met affected families as the government pushed relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.