Financial assistance and relief supplies from the government of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday reached families affected by the southwest monsoon in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte.
In a Facebook post, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the assistance distributed was under the agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICs).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Special Assistance to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. led the distribution of assistance.
"We are here to make sure na matugunan lahat ng pangangailangan. You have the full support of the national government and BARMM government," said Secretary Lagdameo in representing Marcos.
"The aid-giving in Matanog was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to assist flood-affected families to ensure that they are able to cope with the effects of the 'Habagat' that continues to prevail in some parts of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," the DSWD said on Facebook.
The municipality of Matanog is one of the heavily flooded areas in Maguindao del Norte.
At least 76 residents whose houses were partially damaged received PhP5,000 each, or a total of PhP380,000. The 286 residents with totally damaged houses received PhP10,000 each or a total of PhP2,860,000. Burial assistance of PhP10,000 was given to teach of wo beneficiaries. The aids were distributed at the Matanog Municipal Hall.
At the Balabagan Evacuation Center, the government also extended a total of PhP785,000 in financial assistance to 157 residents whose houses were partially damaged (PhP5,000 each); PhP100,000 to 10 residents whose houses were totally damaged (PhP10,000 each); and PhP10,000 in burial assistance to each of two residents.
In another development, Secretary Gatchalian highlighted the importance of proactive measures in disaster preparedness as they ensure swift and efficient response to weather-related occurrence in the BARMM and other Mindanao regions such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN.
Secretary Gatchalian and Secretary Lagdameo led the disaster briefing at the Tactical Operations Group XII in Maguindanao del Norte along with Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Diana Rose Cajipe.
DSWD Region 12 Director Loreta Cabaya, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua and Cotabato City Mayor Bruce "BM" Matabalao joined the briefing.
The briefing also provided a comprehensive report on damages incurred and ongoing assistance efforts. Discussions on future strategies in mitigating risks and enhancing community resilience were also made.
The Cabinet secretaries also met with Lanao del Sur government officials to determine what other assistance is needed in the area and how the national government can help the affected families.
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