CAGAYAN — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday spearheaded the distribution of relief and recovery assistance to residents of Cagayan province affected by Super Typhoon Nando, with a strong focus on supporting farmers whose livelihoods were heavily hit.
The aid distribution was held at the Gonzaga People’s Gymnasium in the municipality of Gonzaga, benefitting 2,533 individuals from Gonzaga and Sta. Ana.
Each beneficiary received P10,000 in financial assistance and a family food pack consisting of six kilograms of rice, canned goods, a chocolate drink, and instant coffee—enough to sustain a family of five for two to three days.
“Nandito po kami upang mabigyan ng tulong ang ating mga magsasaka na tinamaan ng Bagyong Nando. At nakita naman natin dito sa Cagayan ang isa sa mga tinamaan nang malakas,” Marcos said during his speech.
He assured farmers that the government remains ready to help them recover, particularly in rebuilding their livelihoods, while emphasizing the need to reform the agricultural system to adapt to changing weather conditions.
“Marami po tayong naging biktima at marami po tayong kailangang tulungan dahil wala tayong magagawa—nagbabago talaga ang panahon. Kailangan po natin baguhin ang ating sistema ng agrikultura,” the President said.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening weather prediction systems and PAGASA’s capacity to improve disaster response.
Super Typhoon Nando devastated farmlands, homes, and livelihoods across Cagayan, leaving many farmers in urgent need of aid.
The President was joined in the relief effort by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon.
