President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday extended over PhP50 million in financial assistance and services to farmers, fisherfolk and families affected by recent calamities in Camarines Sur.

In his speech at the Fuerte Camsur Sports Complex during the aid distribution, President Marcos said the Office of the President (OP) has allocated PhP50 million for calamity victims, to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Umaasa ako na sa tulong at suportang iniaabot namin sa inyo ngayon, kayo ay magkakaroon ng sapat na kakayahan upang makabangon muli,” President Marcos said.

“Makakatanggap ng tig-sa-10 libong piso ang 5,000 magsasaka, mangingisda, at iba pang pamilyang naapektuhan,” the President said.

Of the 5,000 beneficiaries, 600 each are from the municipalities of Minalabac and Nabua; 500 each from Milaor and Bula; 450 from San Fernando; 400 each from Gainza and Baao; 350 from Canaman; 250 each from Libmanan and Camaligan; and 200 each from Calabanga and Pili.

Financial aid will also be extended to 100 residents each from the municipalities of Pamplona, Bombon and Magarao.

“Talaga pong nagpupursige tayo na maibalik sa normal ang kondisyon, sa lalong madaling panahon, ang mga nasirang tahanan, imprastraktura, at kabuhayan nitong bagyo,” the President added.

Ahead of President Marcos’ arrival, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel extended PhP247,442.25 in crop insurance payments to 10 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian.

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

In a situation briefing at the Naga City Hall last week, President Marcos released a total of 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.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos reminded the residents that the Philippines is currently experiencing the effects of climate change. He assured the government is actively addressing the situation.

The President ordered all relevant government agencies to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation project, including efforts to revisit the Bicol River Basin Development Program. | PND