President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the immediate release of P321 million in aid to 34 provinces and eight cities hit by Tropical Storm “Basyang” and a shear line to hasten the recovery of displaced families and the repair of damaged infrastructure.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the funds would be released immediately to local governments.
In his order, President Marcos cited the “displacement of a significant number of people, casualties and damage to infrastructure” caused by recent weather disturbances.
The Office of Civil Defense has reported at least 12 deaths in the aftermath of “Basyang.” Some 182,352 families or 645,612 people across 1,285 villages were also displaced.
“The assistance would allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events. It’s part of the President’s initiatives to support LGUs and their constituents,” Recto said.
Among the provinces set to receive aid are Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Leyte, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon, Misamis Occidental, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Antique, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Bukidnon, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro.
The city recipients include Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo and Mandaue.
Recto said recipient local governments are required to submit reports on how the funds are used, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
On Wednesday, the President met with governors from provinces severely affected by “Basyang” to ensure a coordinated and swift response, Malacañang said.
Mr. Marcos also directed government agencies to undertake river-clearing operations and flood-mitigation measures to reduce the risk of future flooding and protect vulnerable communities.
