MANILA -- Prioritize fast delivery of government services by opening alternative routes to affected areas, President Ferdinand R. Marcos directed local officials in Davao region on Wednesday afternoon.

In a situation briefing, President Marcos stressed that these would also allow responders and other government entities to enter and conduct the necessary assessment of damages to identified areas.

“‘Yun na muna ‘yung unahin natin…para makadaan ’yung mga responders natin,” he said.

President Marcos noted that thorough assessment is still ongoing for affected roads, bridges and general infrastructure.

“The process is pagka mag-aassess yung public works kung ano ba talaga ‘yung damage then they will have to design the remedy kung ano ‘yung pwedeng gawin. Kung minsan, kung hindi na kaya, we’ll have to build another bridge. So, we still have to see which ones are in that condition,” he said.

Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga said that while majority of national roads are passable in their jurisdiction, there are several municipal and barangay roads that need clearing efforts and further assessment to ensure its safety for commuters and responders conducting relief efforts.

The same concerns were also raised by other provinces in Davao region.

For the part of the Department of National Defense (DND), Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that they already mobilized logistical support through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Aside from the land assets of the Philippine Army that are here, we have devoted six helicopters for airlifts, and two naval vessels to attend to this, and we can deploy more as necessary,” he said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian also assured local officials that there is sufficient supply of relief goods for affected families in the region.

He urged local government units to lodge their request for additional relief assistance through DSWD’s regional office.

Aside from this, Gatchalian said that they will be providing Emergency Cash Transfer to identified beneficiaries.

On top of the cash aid from DSWD, Gatchalian said that the President has also authorized the release of additional fund from the Presidential Social Fund a total amount of Php265 million which will be distributed to areas including Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Agusan Del Sur, Davao City, Butuan City, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Cotabato, and Bukidnon. (PND)