By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Monday vowed to aid the recovery of Batangas as he led the distribution of various assistance, including shelter materials to the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay and Laurel towns in Batangas.
In a speech during the distribution of presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Laurel, Marcos said the government would help particularly in rebuilding the province’s damaged infrastructure, adding that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is already assessing the Bayuyungan or Bugaan Bridge and the roads in Agoncillo town.
These damaged roads and bridges rendered several barangays inaccessible, hampering emergency response and relief efforts to affected communities.
“Inaatasan ko rin sila na gawing prayoridad ang pagpapagawa ng mga imprastrakturang ito – na magawa sa lalong madaling panahon,” he said.
“Pagsisikapan natin ang pagbangon ng Batangas,” Marcos assured the public.
The President also directed the DPWH to ensure timely completion of the Taal Lake Circumferential Road and the Lobo Malabrigo – San Juan Laiya Road projects which would connect various towns in Batangas.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were also tasked to monitor and ensure that all construction materials meet standards for quality, safety, and climate adaptability,
“Dahil sa matinding pabago-bagong panahon, ang ating imprastraktura ay dapat masigurong ligtas at angkop sa gitna ng unos at iba pang sakuna. Kaya inaatasan ko na siguruhin ng DPWH na hindi lang ito matatapos sa inaasahang oras, kundi matibay at kalidad din,” Marcos said.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the DPWH has proposed to rebuild the collapsed Bugaan Bridge using P150 million in programmed funds, P150 million would be allocated for the reconstruction of the bridge’s damaged slope protection, and P50 million would be used for reconstruction of the collapsed road.
The Chief Executive also led the turnover of housing kits worth P6 million from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), through the donation of Metrobank Foundation Inc.
Each family received home materials and essentials (HOMEs) packages composed of GI roofs, marine plywood, lumbers, and nails for the repair of their damaged homes.
The DHSUD also provides unconditional cash assistance to families whose houses were either damaged or destroyed during calamities.
DHSUD Sec. Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that upon receiving the report from their regional office in Batangas, the agency has deployed teams to coordinate with local chief executives and gather data on the number of affected families and damaged residential structures
“This is DHSUD’s contribution to the President’s call for a conveyor belt of aid for typhoon victims. We will exhaust all available resources to extend assistance to our kababayans,” he said.
Acuzar also instructed DHSUD Regional Office 4A to regularly monitor the situation to ensure that all families, particularly those with damaged houses, will be assisted.
—avds
