MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate release of government funds and assistance to provinces battered by Typhoon Basyang, directing agencies to fast-track relief operations and even pre-position resources before future disasters strike.
The order, issued during a meeting with provincial governors and Cabinet officials, signals Malacañang’s push to cut bureaucratic delays and accelerate recovery efforts in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao affected by the storm.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President called for a streamlined process in distributing aid to families impacted by calamities and urged concerned agencies to release funds in advance of disasters to allow quicker emergency response.
The Palace said the directive aims to speed up relief and recovery efforts in affected communities, many of which suffered flooding and agricultural damage due to heavy rains and strong winds.
River clearing projects to reduce flooding in low-lying areas were also discussed during the meeting as part of the administration’s flood mitigation and disaster prevention strategy.
Marcos likewise ordered the expedited distribution of seeds to farmers to help revive agricultural production following the storm’s onslaught, underscoring the need to restore livelihoods in the countryside.
Among the governors present were Southern Leyte governor Damian Mercado, Oriental Mindoro governor Humerlito Dolor, Occidental Mindoro governor Eduardo Gadiano, Eastern Samar governor Ralph Evardone, Northern Samar governor Harris Ongchuan, Leyte governor Carlos Petilla, Samar acting governor Arnold Tan, and Catanduanes governor Patrick Azanza.
The President assured residents in the affected provinces that the government would continue delivering prompt assistance while pursuing long-term recovery and disaster preparedness programs to strengthen community resilience./PN
