President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured residents of Masbate that the government will continue to provide full support as they recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Opong last week.
Speaking during the distribution of aid to affected families at Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City, President Marcos said assistance—including food, medicine, and cash support—will be sustained for as long as necessary.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala, patuloy po ang suporta ng pamahalaan hangga’t nangangailangan kayo. Kahit na matagalan tayo nang kaunti dahil hindi pa ninyo naaayos ang inyong mga tahanan, naka-support na kami,” he said.
The President also assured residents that government food aid will continue even after they leave evacuation centers.
“Kahit umalis kayo sa evacuation center, pero hindi kayo makauwi sa sarili ninyong mga tahanan, ay tuluyan pa rin magsu-supply kami nitong family food pack,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by climate change, President Marcos said the government will continue to prioritize preparedness and preemptive evacuation to minimize loss of life during disasters.
“Kaunting tiyaga lang po. Ang mahirap dito wala talaga tayong magawa sa panahon. At kung babagyo, babagyo kahit na anong gawin natin. Ang maaari lang nating gawin ay paghandaan, makapag-evacuate,” he said. “Mukha naman nagawa natin. Naka-preemptive evacuation ang probinsiya.”
He urged Masbate residents to coordinate closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and their local governments to ensure that all their needs are met.
“Kaya dito po kami nauna at tinitiyak po namin na lahat po kayo ay suportado ng mga iba’t ibang ahensiya ng ating pamahalaan. Kaya huwag po kayong magdadalawang-isip. Kung mayroon kayong pangangailangan, sabihin po ninyo sa sinuman na ahensiya,” President Marcos said.
