President Marcos on Monday went to see typhoon victims in Talisay, Batangas as part of activities to commemorate the lives lost in Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which claimed at least 61 individuals in the province.
Speaking at a memorial mass, the chief executive expressed his condolences to the families, particularly in this town devastated by landslides and floods.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to every Filipino affected by Storm Kristine,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President later led the distribution of aid under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF) program, and announced P60 million in relief for storm-hit communities.
“This assistance will go to the six most affected towns to help rebuild lives and livelihoods,” he explained.
He also mentioned that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would disburse P10 million each to support recovery efforts in the ravaged towns, specifically — Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete.
Additionally, the President shared that select farmers and fishers would receive individual aid of P10,000, an attempt to offer quick relief to those whose livelihoods were hardest hit by the storm.
Mr. Marcos noted that this gesture is only the beginning, as government agencies work to bolster disaster response efforts.
Last week, the chief executive signed Proclamation 728, designating November 4 as a Day of National Mourning.
The proclamation came after Batangas declared a state of calamity, following the the huge loss of lives and damage to property caused by the recent storm.
Furthermore, the President vowed that disaster preparedness and response would become a higher priority in the government’s agenda, noting that climate-driven disasters continue to threaten the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
As this developed, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for compassion and solidarity during the Day of Mourning for the victims of ‘Kristine.’
“Today is a day for every Filipino to pause, reflect, and honor the memory of those whose lives were tragically taken by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. More than one hundred of our fellow Filipinos—mothers, fathers, children, friends, neighbors—are no longer with us,” Romualdez said.
“They leave behind loved ones who carry the heavy burden of loss, and entire communities touched by sorrow. To each family mourning the loss of a loved one, we stand beside you, sharing in your pain. Your heartbreak is felt by the entire nation, and today, in this national moment of remembrance, you are not alone,” he added.
Romualdez also commended the tireless efforts of first responders, relief workers, and the countless volunteers who have come forward to aid their fellow Filipinos.
Meantime, flags all over the country flew at half-mast as a sign of respect for those whose lives were cut short by the storm.
Earlier, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed an order for the national flag to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad, per Republic Act 8491 and following the issuance of Proclamation 728.
