Opong-hit communities in Masbate get aid

MASBATE, Philippines – Communities in Masbate on Monday benefited from relief operations ordered by Malacanang after the province was battered by Typhoon Opong.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. led the distribution of relief goods and damage assessment accompanied by several Cabinet members.

“This isn’t where government assistance ends. Support will continue until the province is fully back on its feet,” Lagdameo told residents.

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President was acting on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive that essential government services and aid should reach the typhoon victims in the province.

Among the assistance distributed were rice and corn seeds for local farmers to help revive the agricultural sector in the province.

Around 500 tourism workers who lost their livelihood due to the typhoon also received aid through the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Tourism.

Lagdameo also inspected the condition of public schools such as Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School to ensure the safety of students and the continuity of their education.

He credited the swift response to strong coordination between the national government agencies and the local government of the province.

“When we are united and work together, our response to crises becomes faster, and relief reaches our people more efficiently,” Lagdameo added.

It can be recalled that Malacanang immediately released P100 million in rehabilitation funds to address the needs of communities hit by three consecutive typhoons in Masbate.