Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 11) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday promised aid for communities hit by heavy rains and floods over the past weeks.
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In a statement, Malacañang said the president has ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to closely monitor concerned areas and “render assistance” to local government units.
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Earlier in the day, the chief executive visited parts of Northern Mindanao affected by the Christmas weekend rains. He said officials are already coordinating with the National Housing Authority to address residents’ needs.
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“‘Yung mga bahay na totally destroyed, hahanapan natin ng resettlement area para magkaroon ng tirahan,” he said at an event in Tudela, Misamis Occidental.
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[Translation: Those whose houses were totally destroyed, we would find a resettlement area for them for their new houses.]
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Assistance in the form of relief goods, potable water, clothing, and temporary shelter are also being provided to evacuees, according to local officials.
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Fast-track rehab, more aid given
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In a briefing in Ozamiz City, also in Misamis Occidental, Marcos told the Department of Public Works and Highways to fast-track the rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure and conduct a study on how to address flooding.
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The agency, in response, said assessment is underway to see what repairs need to be done.
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Heading to Misamis Oriental, Marcos led the distribution of a ₱5,000 cash aid to affected fishermen. He also ordered the release of more than ₱3 million for the repair of damaged school buildings in the province.
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The president said while more long-term solutions were being fleshed out, “band-aid” or temporary ones — like the possible use of modular structures to replace bridges to allow foot traffic — should be done to allow people to move more freely.
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