By Michelle Ducut
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Catanduanes on Tuesday to assess the damage caused by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) and provide relief to affected residents.
The President conducted an aerial inspection of the areas most severely impacted by the typhoon, which made landfall on November 16, and personally distributed aid during his visit.
As part of the relief efforts, President Marcos handed over a PHP 50-million check to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua to support recovery and rehabilitation initiatives in the province. The President also oversaw the distribution of 1, 000 family food packs and PHP 5, 000 in cash assistance to each of 500 families through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Governor Cua expressed gratitude to the national government, saying, “Your arrival is proof of your commitment to helping us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Welcome to Catanduanes.”
Residents of Catanduanes welcomed the President’s visit, describing it as a morale booster during a challenging time. Ma. Luisa Calla, a resident of Barangay Moonwalk in Virac, shared her appreciation: “His presence makes me smile and inspires me to feel better after the damage caused by Pepito.”
Nila Dilay of Barangay Francia echoed similar sentiments, stating, “It makes me feel important to see him here with us. Despite his busy schedule, he chose to meet us in person.”
The President was joined by key officials, including representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of Civil Defense, and the Presidential Communications Office.
Super Typhoon Pepito left widespread damage across Catanduanes, prompting the government to intensify relief operations and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas.