By Leila Sauco and Jelyn Saulog
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads on Tuesday, Nov. 8, the distribution of government assistance to victims and affected communities of severe tropical storm “Paeng.”
Marcos said his administration will continue to provide assistance to the people of Antique to help them recover from the impact of “Paeng.”
“Ang maisusukli ko lamang sa tuluyang pagsuporta sa pamilya at administrasyon ay magandang trabaho na aming gagawin para tulungan tayong lahat na makaahon,” he said in his speech.
“Asahan po ninyo na lagi kaming nandiyan kahit hindi niyo po kami nakikita, pagka mayroong ganitong bagyo at ganitong biktima. Alam po namin ang nangyari, at ginagawa po namin ang lahat,” he added.
The President also conducted an aerial inspection along with other officials to determine the extent of damage brought about by the storm, particularly on roads and other infrastructures.
A situation briefing was also held with regional line agency directors and Antique local officials to assess the extent of damages and discuss possible actions.
The total number of families affected by “Paeng” has ballooned to 43,000 in 500 barangays.
Gov’t assistance
The government distributed cash aid amounting to P5,000 each to over a thousand families in Antique, as well as food packages and hygiene kits for typhoon victims.
The Department of Agriculture distributed financial assistance amounting to P177 million to 35,493 rice farmers, and palay seeds to rice farmers in the province. Affected fisher folks were given 60 units of 30-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic boats with engines.
Around 300 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program in Antique received P10,000 each, while P5,000 financial aid, food packs, and sleeping kits were given to 1,200 beneficiaries in San Jose, Patnongon, Sibalom, and San Remigio.
Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment granted more than P1 million worth of Kabuhayan Project to 56 beneficiaries from Barangay Igbarawan, Patnongon.
The Department of Trade and Industry also granted livelihood packages vouchers under “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” program to six micro, small, and medium enterprises from San Jose and Culasi. – ag
