By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured that all victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu who sustained injuries or require hospital care will be covered by zero balance billing.
“Applicable dito lahat. Lahat ng nagka-injury, lahat ng nagkasakit, whatever medical issue na kailangan pumasok sa ospital, kasama ‘yan sa zero balance billing,” Marcos said during a situation briefing, following his visit to Bogo City in Cebu.
Health facilities in the province have reported a surge in patients since the tremor struck on Sept. 30.
Relief efforts in motion
The President said family food packs will be provided without restrictions.
“There was a time na binibigyan pa ng ticket bago makakuha (ticket must be given before they can avail). They can get what they want. We don’t count. Kung ilan kailangan nila (Regardless of how many they need), they can get what they need,” he said.
Officials reported that around 65,000 families were displaced by the earthquake.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has deployed 20 water purification units to support affected communities, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development said there are “more than enough” family food packs available for the province.
On-site inspection
Marcos traveled to Bogo City, one of the hardest hit areas, to inspect damage and meet affected residents.
He visited the collapsed housing units at SM Cares Village in Barangay Polambato, a resettlement project built in 2014 for survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
He also inspected the heavily damaged Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish Church of St. Vicente Ferrer in Barangay Bungtod, as well as the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy in Barangay Cogon.
At the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Barangay Taytayan, he checked on patients being treated in makeshift wards set up in the parking area and assured them of government support. (PNA)
