MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered over PHP 70 million in livelihood and financial assistance on Sunday to thousands of residents affected by Typhoon Marce in Ilocos Norte.
During the aid distribution at Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex, President Marcos extended PHP 50 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President to Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecillia Araneta-Marcos.
The President also inspected the seawall in Pagudpud and the Licerio Antiporada Sr. National High School Main in Buguey town, both damaged by the typhoon.
He likewise witnessed the distribution of PHP 20 million through the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers to the local chief executives for the benefit 3, 895 typhoon victims.
“Ang ganitong klaseng problema hindi kayang masolusyonan ng isang department lamang. Kailangan magtulong-tulongan ang mga departamento. Kaya’t pinagsasama-sama namin lahat ng may kakayahan na tumulong para sila ay tumulong (Problems like these can’t be solved by one department. All departments must contribute. That’s why I brought all agencies with the capabilities to help),” President Marcos said in his speech.
The President witnessed the distribution of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, along with some rice seeds from the Department of Agriculture and other assistance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Pagudpud Mayor Rafael Ralph Benemerito received PHP 6.54 million for 1, 273 beneficiaries; and Pasuquin Mayor Ferdinand Aguinaldo, Vintar Mayor Richard Degala and Bacarra Mayor Nicomedes dela Cruz Jr. received PHP 3.21 million each.
The assistance will benefit 625 beneficiaries from each locality.
Adams Mayor Rosalia Dupagen, Bangui Mayor Fidel Cimatu Jr. and Burgos Mayor Crescente Garcia received PHP 1 million for the benefit of 194 beneficiaries from each town.
Dumalneg Mayor Francisco Espiritu Jr. received PHP 847, 440 for 165 beneficiaries.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that 2, 903 families or 9, 340 individuals were affected by Marce in Ilocos Norte. A total of 540 families or 1, 635 individuals are in evacuation centers.
‘Light in the darkness’
In his speech, Benemerito expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for bringing the whole-of-government approach to Ilocos Norte.
“Apo Presidente, parang liwanag sa dilim ang pagpunta niyo dito sa bayan ng (The President is the light in our darkness with his visit here in) Pagudpud,” Benemerito told President Marcos.
Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos thanked his father for spending time with the victims and finding ways to extend assistance to them.
The younger Marcos assured the residents of the government’s continued support.
“Sisiguraduhin natin na kung ano man ang kailangan ng ating mga, na apektado sa bagyong Marce, sisiguraduhin natin na makakarating ang tulong sa inyong lahat (We assure that whatever your needs are, of those affected by Typhoon Marce, we will deliver to you),” Rep. Marcos said. (PND)