President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought over PhP100 million in financial assistance and government services to farmers, fisherfolk and their families affected by recent calamities in Bicol.

President Marcos said the Office of the President (OP) has allocated PhP50 million each for calamity victims in various cities and municipalities of Camarines Sur and Albay.

“Narito po ako muli upang personal na maghatid ng mga karagdagang tulong para sa mga kababayan nating lubhang naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine dito sa Camarines Sur,” President Marcos said in his speech during the aid distribution in Camarines Sur.

The President earlier released PhP130 million in financial assistance — PhP50 million to acting Albay Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao; PhP30 million to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion; and PhP50 million to Camarines Sur — in Naga City Hall last week.

“Umaasa ako na sa tulong at suportang iniaabot namin sa inyo ngayon, kayo ay magkakaroon ng sapat na kakayahan upang makabangon muli… Talaga pong nagpupursige tayo na maibalik sa normal ang kondisyon, sa lalong madaling panahon, ang mga nasirang tahanan, imprastraktura, at kabuhayan nitong bagyo,” he added.

In his speech in Albay, President Marcos said the financial assistance would help farmers and fisherfolk and their families start a new life after the calamity.

All financial assistance were distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In an interview, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told reporters the financial assistance extended by the Office of the President is only one of the aid provided by the government to calamity victims.

“Bukod diyan, nakahanda na rin ang DSWD. Inuna lang natin ito dahil nga gusto ng Pangulo na magamit ‘yung pondo sa kaniyang tanggapan kaagad para makatulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” Gatchalian said.

“Susunod diyan naman ang DSWD para sa mga affected at severely affected na maaring hindi bahagi ng sektor ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda pero naging bahagi din ng pinasala nitong Bagyong Kristine,” he added.

For Camarines Sur, the government identified 600 beneficiaries each from the municipalities of Minalabac and Nabua; 500 each from Milaor and Bula; 450 from San Fernando; 400 each from Gainza and Baao; and 350 from Canaman.

At least 250 beneficiaries each from Libmanan and Camaligan, also in Camarines Sur, received the cash assistance along with 200 each from Calabanga and Pili; and 100 residents each from the municipalities of Pamplona, Bombon and Magarao.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel also extended PhP247,442.25 in crop insurance payments to 10 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian in Camarines Sur.

The crop insurance payments for farmers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine are currently being processed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

In Albay, President Marcos extended assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Libon; 900 in Oas; 400 in Guinobatan; and 300 each in Camalig and Polangui; 200 each in Pio Duran and Malinao; and 150 each in Daraga and Tiwi.

The President also extended aid to 100 beneficiaries each in Rapu-Rapu, Malilipot, Jovellar; and 80 each in Sto. Domingo and Bacacay; 60 in Manito; 450 in the city of Tabaco; 350 in Legazpi; and 80 in Ligao.

Aside from the financial aid from the Office of the President, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided a Training Support Fund of PhP3,413,700 to 1,162 beneficiaries from Albay. | PND