Visit to Typhoon-affected Areas and Distribution of Assistance in the Province of Batanes

Basco, Batanes
October 4, 2024


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the extent of damages caused by Super Typhoon 'Julian' when it wreaked havoc in different areas across the northern part of Luzon as he visits Basco, Batanes on October 4, 2024.

Batanes was among the hardest-hit areas by the Super Typhoon. According to the provincial assessment, the disaster damaged around 2,324 houses. Of this number, 276 were totally damaged while 2,048 were partially damaged.

The President first checks some properties owned by Mr. Jhoel Mirabueno and Mr. Peter John Rada in Barangay Chanarian. Following this is an inspection at the Basco Central School before proceeding to oversee the distribution of assistance at the Oval Plaza.

During the program, key government agencies lead the distribution of various assistance, with the Department of National Defense (DND) - Office of Civil Defense (OCD) giving 10 kilos of rice to each of the 4,000 beneficiaries; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) providing PhP3,000 each to 200 recipients of its Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP); and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Batanes handing over 800 pieces of galvanized iron sheets and 800 pieces of lumber.

"Kaya't kami'y nandito para matignan kung ano ba talaga ang 'yung inyong mga pangangailangan... Ang susunod na kailangan naming gawin ay yung -- pagkatapos nito 'yung sa pag-rebuilding. Dahil nakita ko 'yung nasira 'yung mga ibang lalo na 'yung mga kahoy 'yung mga -- talagang natangay lahat," President Marcos Jr. says in his remarks, sharing further that on top of the provided aid, the Office of the President (OP) is turning over an additional support of PhP25 million to the Provincial Government of Batanes, alongside the PhP15 million aid from the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

He also notes the swift response of the DSWD, saying that the Department has already distributed 14,000 family food packs (FFPs) even before 'Julian' hit the Province; 7,000 of these have already been released to affected communities. Another round of 14,000 FFPs is expected to be delivered in the coming days.

Another notable relief supplies provided by the DSWD are its family water filtration kits, which can filter any water (except salt water) and make it suitable for drinking. One tub can accommodate 100 individuals per day.

"Kung ano pa yung pangangailangan ninyo, patuloy naman ang aming pagdala, magdadala pa kami," President Marcos Jr. adds.

The Chief Executive is set to preside over a meeting with the local government officials to further discuss the most recent situation in the Province.

***

Connect with RTVM

Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang
YouTube: @RTVMalacanang
Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang