In a surprising turn of events, several officials and residents in Mindanao expressed astonishment and gratitude toward President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after his administration responded quickly to the recent series of strong earthquakes that rocked the southern region.

The tremors, which reached magnitudes of up to 6.0, left communities shaken, infrastructure damaged, and thousands of families displaced. Yet amid the chaos, what captured national attention was not just the disaster itself—but how swiftly Malacañang acted.

For many in Mindanao, particularly in Davao and nearby provinces—long considered strongholds of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters—Marcos’ immediate response was unexpected. Historically, the region’s political leanings had drawn a line between supporters of the current administration and those of the previous one. But as relief trucks rolled in and government agencies coordinated on the ground, politics suddenly took a backseat.

A President’s Prompt Action

Reports from local officials confirmed that President Marcos personally instructed all relevant agencies to deliver urgent assistance to the affected communities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and even the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) mobilized almost simultaneously to ensure no family was left behind.

Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Secretary, assured the public that supplies were abundant and continuously repacked. “Even with ongoing operations in Cebu, Masbate, and Mindoro, we can still provide immediate aid to Mindanao. Our regional offices are working non-stop to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry,” Gatchalian stated.

At the same time, PCSO General Manager Mel Robles led a team to deliver evacuation kits, food packs, and even medical transport vehicles to hard-hit areas in Davao Oriental. Each kit included mosquito nets, mats, blankets, slippers, and flashlights—basic needs that mean the world to those sleeping in makeshift shelters.

Praise from Mindanao Leaders

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) also expressed its deep appreciation for the President’s hands-on leadership.

“We are thankful for the fast response of President Marcos and his Cabinet. The Office of the President did not abandon Mindanao,” a MinDA representative declared during a press briefing.

Local officials across Region XI echoed the same sentiment, noting that Marcos’ proactive stance contrasted with previous experiences of delayed national response during calamities. “This is the first time we’ve seen the President move this fast,” one mayor remarked.

This sentiment resonated online, where even vloggers and social media personalities—some known supporters of the Duterte administration—acknowledged the President’s decisive action.

DDS Vloggers Turn Political?

However, the situation did not escape the heat of political discourse. Some so-called “DDS vloggers,” known for their staunch loyalty to former President Duterte, reportedly challenged Marcos’ supporters and questioned the sincerity of the government’s relief efforts. They accused the administration of turning disaster response into political propaganda.

But many found that accusation baseless. For residents in Davao Oriental, the results were clear and tangible—aid arrived, help came fast, and lives were being rebuilt. “We don’t care about politics right now,” said one evacuee. “What matters is that someone came to help.”

Breaking the Old Divide

Observers noted that Marcos’ decision to prioritize disaster response in Mindanao—despite it being a Duterte-dominated region—sent a powerful message of unity. It recalled the time during Typhoon Yolanda, when Marcos, then a senator, was among the first to visit Leyte before even national leaders arrived.

That spirit of compassion, many said, was reflected once again in his handling of the Mindanao quake. “He didn’t politicize the tragedy,” one official emphasized. “Unlike in the past when some leaders made victims feel like they needed to prove loyalty before receiving help, this time everyone was treated equally.”

The statement drew a sharp contrast to the controversial remark made by former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas during the Aquino administration, who once said to local officials after Typhoon Yolanda: “You have to remember, the President is Aquino and you are Romualdez.” For many Filipinos, that line became symbolic of cold bureaucracy in the face of suffering.

Now, under Marcos Jr., even political opponents in Mindanao acknowledged that compassion came first.

A Network of Cooperation

The President’s directive also activated cooperation among multiple agencies. The Department of Education, led by Secretary Sara Duterte, joined in ensuring that schools could serve as temporary evacuation centers. The Department of Public Works and Highways, under Secretary Manuel Bonoan, immediately assessed infrastructure damage and began clearing blocked roads to reopen supply routes.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police provided security and manpower for rescue operations, while the PCSO coordinated with local governments and authorized partner corporations for the rapid distribution of relief goods.

It was an all-government, all-hands-on-deck effort rarely seen with such coordination.

Citizens’ Reaction

Online, citizens were equally vocal in their praise. Social media platforms flooded with hashtags like #SalamatPBBM and #MindanaoStrong, accompanied by photos of soldiers handing out relief goods, PCSO trucks delivering supplies, and volunteers working through the night.

“Even the DDS officials have nothing to throw at him this time,” one netizen wrote. “They can’t deny the truth—help came faster than ever.”

Others urged continued prayers for the victims and for the safety of the country, especially with the looming threat of the West Valley Fault in Metro Manila. “We must keep praying,” said one Mindanao resident. “The earth keeps moving, but our faith must stay firm.”

Conclusion

As Mindanao continues to recover, the people’s unexpected gratitude toward President Marcos Jr. highlights something rarely seen in Philippine politics: unity amid crisis. For once, political colors faded in the face of compassion and swift action.

The President’s words, echoed by his Cabinet and local officials, captured the nation’s collective hope: “We will not abandon anyone. Every Filipino matters.”

For the people of Mindanao—especially those who once doubted him—those words were no longer campaign promises. They were reality.