President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday handed over PhP50 million to the provincial government of Catanduanes for its immediate recovery from the impact of Super Typhoon Pepito.
President Marcos directed various government agencies for the immediate provision of relief goods, shelter assistance, and restoration of communication and power systems disabled by after Pepito.
Upon arrival in Catanduanes, the President, along with Governor Joseph Cua conducted an aerial inspection on the extent of damages brought by the typhoon.
In his speech after the inspection, President Marcos urged the victims to lodge their concerns with their respective local government units.
He assured the government will exhaust all means to meet their needs.
“Kung mayroon talagang problema at mayroon kayong pangangailangan, sabihan ninyo ang local government ninyo, sabihan ninyo ang ahensya ng gobyerno, at gagawin namin ang lahat upang kung anuman ‘yung problema na ‘yun ay nabibigyan natin ng solusyon,” he said.
The President also witnessed the distribution of family food packs worth PhP633,000 and cash aid of PhP2.5 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Some 1,000 family food packs were distributed by the DSWD to typhoon survivors from several barangays in Virac. This is in addition to the PhP5,000 cash relief assistance extended by DSWD to 500 families.
Eleven out of 16 municipalities of Catanduanes were severely affected by Pepito. Damages to houses, government buildings, schools, and other infrastructure were reported.
Various agencies are currently working to assess the damage, provide assistance, clear impassable roads, and restore power and communications in the aftermath of the typhoon.
The President later led a situation briefing with local government and concerned agencies about the extent of damage caused by Pepito. (PND)
