Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered agencies to speed up relief distribution and recovery programs in provinces heavily affected by Tropical Storm Basyang, as he met with governors and Cabinet officials to coordinate the national response.
Marcos directed the early release of disaster preparedness funds, the simplification of aid distribution procedures and the rapid delivery of seeds to farmers to help restore agricultural production after the storm.
The president also instructed agencies to prepare financial assistance programs for affected residents and strengthen river clearing operations aimed at reducing future flooding risks.
The meeting came after the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education and provincial governments for a nationwide classroom building program.
Marcos noted the need to streamline government processes to ensure relief reaches families quickly and efficiently.
Government data showed the scale of the storm’s impact. More than ₱9.2 million in assistance has been released to help about 1,297 affected families, according to a situation report issued Wednesday by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Authorities said the storm impacted more than 182,000 families or over 645,000 people.
“Basyang” made landfall in Bayabas town in Surigao del Sur on Feb. 5 and left at least 12 people dead and 36 injured, disaster officials said. Around 170 houses were destroyed while more than 1,200 others were partially damaged.
