President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the early release of funds and expedited relief operations to assist provinces affected by Tropical Storm Basyang.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) reported that President Marcos, along with several Cabinet members, met with provincial governors affected by the typhoon to ensure relief and recovery measures are implemented more promptly and efficiently.
“Sa pulong, binigyang-diin ang mas maagang paglalabas ng pondo para sa mga paghahanda bago pa man tumama ang kalamidad, pagpapabilis ng mga proseso upang agad maipamahagi ang tulong, at pagtutok sa mabilis na distribusyon ng binhi para makapagsimulang muli ang mga magsasaka,” the PCO said.
(The meeting emphasized the earlier release of funds for preparations before disasters strike, expediting processes to distribute aid immediately, and focusing on the rapid distribution of seeds so that farmers can start again.)
President Marcos also ordered preparations for financial assistance and enhanced river clearance operations to mitigate further flooding risks.
“Tinalakay rin ang paghahanda ng financial assistance at pagpapalakas ng river clearing operations upang mabawasan ang panganib ng muling pagbaha (Also discussed were the preparation of financial assistance and the strengthening of river clearing operations to reduce the risk of recurring flooding),” Malacañang said.
President Marcos also gave instructions simplify procedures in accessing public funds to ensure that families in need receive government aid promptly.
Present at the meeting were Governors Damian Mercado (Southern Leyte), Humerlito Dolor (Oriental Mindoro), Eduardo Gadiano (Occidental Mindoro), Ralph Evardone (Eastern Samar), Harris Ongchuan (Northern Samar), Jericho Petilla (Leyte), Patrick Azanza (Catanduanes), and Acting Gov. Arnold Tan (Samar).
Earlier this month, ‘Basyang’ affected 182,352 families or 645,612 people across 1,285 villages, displacing many. Reports also indicate that storm-related deaths increased to 12, with 36 others injured.
