Manila, June 15 -- Senators on Monday called for housing assistance and full rehabilitation funding for Mindanao communities devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on June 8.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who visited affected areas in General Santos City and Sarangani province, said long-term government support would be needed after local officials reported that about 500 households in Barangay Hicban, General Santos City were totally destroyed.

Hontiveros said her office would coordinate with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to determine available programs for the repair or reconstruction of homes no longer safe for occupancy.

"Magko-communicate kami sa Department of Housing (We will communicate with the Depar...