MANILA – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Sunday condoled with the families of those who died during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) in Talisay, Batangas.
The First Lady joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development in distributing aid to families through her program Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat (LAB for ALL).
Families of 61 individuals who perished from the landslides and flooding on October 24 benefitted from First Lady’s program which was aided by a private group, DigiPlus Interactive.
Each family received a sack of 25-kilo rice, 6.6-liter water, a medical kit, Nanay’s (mother’s) kit, grocery items and family food packs.
Mrs. Marcos was accompanied by DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Diana Rose Cajipe, Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma, and DSWD-Calabarzon Director Barry Chua.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste and Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan joined the activity.
Meanwhile, the DSWD said the government will continue to help citizens affected by recent calamities until their full recovery.
“Katulad po ng laging binabanggit ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., ang ating pamahalaan ay handang tumulong hanggang kayo po ay muling makabangon at makabalik sa inyong normal na pamumuhay (Like what President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. always says, our government is ready to help until you recover and return to your normal lives),” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in his message, read by Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez.
DigiPlus Interactive, led by chairperson Eusebio Tangco, said they will also provide cash assistance to the grieving families.
The families already received PHP 10, 000 in burial assistance from the DSWD during the visit of President Marcos and Secretary Gatchalian on November 4. (PNA)