By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
During his visit to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on Sunday (Nov. 10), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. promised to rebuild schools and other infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Marce in Ilocos Norte.
“Hinahanapan namin ng [paraan] para mabilis natin maayos para makabalik ang mga bata, para makapasok ulit, makabalik sa eskwela,” he said.
The Chief Executive said alternative learning modes will be carried out by the Department of Education (DepEd) while the classrooms are being repaired.
Likewise, the rehabilitation for the damaged seawall and Pagudpud National High School is now up for bidding.
“Nakita na namin kung saan tayo puwedeng kumuha ng pondo para sa seawall. Ibi-bid na pala ‘yung project niyan. Itutuloy na kaya’t mabilis,” he added.
Over P70 million worth of financial assistance was also distributed to affected residents in Ilocos Norte, of which P50 million came from the Office of the President and P20 million being distributed through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of DOLE.
To further improve emergency response, Marcos said that the country is adopting the whole-of-government approach; he also promised to continue extending aid and assistance to typhoon victims until their lives return to normalcy.
“Nandito lang po kami para tingnan na maganda ang pagbigay ng tulong. At kung mayroon pa kayong ibang pangangailangan, nandiyan po ang ating LGU, nandiyan ang provincial government, nandiyan din po ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno, lapitan niyo lang po at lahat ng maaaring gawin ay gagawin namin,” the President added.
-avds