President Marcos Directs Swift Release of PHP321 Million for Basyang Recovery
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated the immediate distribution of approximately PHP321 million in financial assistance to accelerate recovery efforts across 34 provinces and eight cities severely impacted by Tropical Storm Basyang and associated shear line conditions. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced this critical directive on Saturday, emphasizing the administration's commitment to expedited relief operations.
Coordinated Government Response to Calamity
In a recent meeting at Malacañan Palace, President Marcos convened with governors from the hardest-hit regions to ensure a unified and efficient government response. He instructed Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to oversee the prompt allocation of funds to intended beneficiaries, stressing the urgency of supporting displaced communities and repairing damaged infrastructure.
The President highlighted that the recent weather disturbances have led to significant displacement, casualties, and infrastructure damage, necessitating robust intervention. This funding initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance disaster resilience and provide timely support to local government units (LGUs) and their constituents.
Comprehensive List of Aid Recipients
The financial aid will be distributed to a wide array of provinces, including Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Leyte, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Eastern Samar, and Sorsogon.
Additional provinces set to receive assistance are Misamis Occidental, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Antique, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Bukidnon, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro. The city-recipients include Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Mandaue City.
Ensuring Accountability and Effective Utilization
Executive Secretary Recto emphasized that the released funds will empower LGUs to assist displaced residents and rehabilitate critical infrastructure. He also mandated recipient-LGUs to submit detailed reports on fund usage, ensuring transparency and accountability in the recovery process.
"The assistance would allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events. It's part of the President's initiatives to support LGUs and their constituents," Recto stated, underscoring the strategic importance of this financial support.
Broader Disaster Management Efforts
Beyond financial aid, President Marcos has ordered intensified river-clearing operations to mitigate future flooding risks. This latest funding supplements over PHP9.2 million previously disbursed for assistance to approximately 1,297 affected families, as reported by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The Office of Civil Defense has documented at least 12 fatalities due to Basyang, with 182,352 families, or 645,612 individuals, displaced across 1,285 villages during the storm's onslaught. The government's multi-faceted approach aims to address both immediate relief needs and long-term recovery challenges, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations against natural disasters.
