Standing before a crowd of farmers and fisherfolk in the storm-battered Bicol region, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday personally delivered over P100 million in financial aid and essential services to residents.
At the Albay Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, the President spoke of shifting the focus from initial relief efforts to sustained recovery.
“We’re here to support those who’ve lost their livelihoods—the farmers and fishers whose crops and fish pens were damaged,” he told the audience.
The Office of the President allocated P50 million each for storm-affected communities in Camarines Sur and Albay, distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Additionally, President Marcos had previously released P130 million in aid: P50 million for Albay, P30 million for Naga City, and another P50 million for Camarines Sur.
Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed that further support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would follow for affected residents not directly involved in agriculture and fishing.
In Camarines Sur, assistance reached 600 beneficiaries each in Minalabac and Nabua, and several other towns including Milaor, Bula, and San Fernando.
The Department of Agriculture also provided P247,442.25 in crop insurance to 10 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian, with additional insurance for those impacted by Kristine underway.
Albay beneficiaries included 1,000 recipients in Libon, 900 in Oas, and hundreds in municipalities such as Guinobatan, Camalig, and Polangui.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided a separate P3.4 million Training Support Fund for 1,162 beneficiaries in Albay, adding to the comprehensive aid package.
Mr. Marcos reiterated his commitment to revitalizing affected communities, expressing hope that future visits to the region will focus on positive developments rather than recovery from disaster.
“When I return, let’s hope it won’t be because of another storm, but to see the positive impact of the aid and the resilience of our communities,” he said.
