VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a relief effort in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on Sunday, November 10, distributing over P70 million in aid to communities devastated by Typhoon Marce.
The President emphasized a whole-of-nation approach, urging government agencies and the private sector to unite in providing comprehensive assistance.
President Marcos said, “We refer to this as a whole-of-government approach because it involves collaboration among all levels of government. All governmental entities are working together simultaneously. This concept also extends to the private sector, creating what we call a whole-of-nation approach. This means that, in addition to the government, everyone willing to help is included in our efforts to assist our fellow citizens.”
A total of 1,067 families of Poblacion II in Pagudpud town received a family food pack and 10 kilograms (kg) rice each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the President (OP), while registered farmers received 15kg of hybrid rice seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA), and 400 families from barangays Pancian and Pasaleng of Pagudpud town and the municipality of Adams got sanitation kits from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
He also provided P50 million in financial assistance from the OP to Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecillia Araneta-Marcos to enhance the support for affected communities in the province, as each family has different needs that the initial assistance cannot fully address.
The President added, “We are here to ensure that you receive the assistance you need. If you have any other requirements, our local government unit (LGU), the provincial government, and various government agencies are available to help you. Simply reach out to us, and we will do everything we can to provide the support you seek from the national government to improve your lives. We are dedicated to helping you in any way.”
Moreover, the President extended P20 million through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to various local chief executives in Ilocos Norte aimed at benefiting 3,895 typhoon victims from the municipalities of Pagudpud, Pasuquin, Vintar, Bacarra, Adams, Dumalneg, Bangui, and Burgos.
Jocelyn Sacsac, a resident of Rang-ay A village in Pagudpud town, was one of the beneficiaries who experienced significant losses during Typhoon ‘Marce.’
She said that the roof of her house was severely damaged when four metal sheets were torn away by the strong winds, and a large branch from the mango tree in her backyard fell near the kitchen.
“Napakalaking tulong ito para sa amin kasi kaninang anihan wala kaming ani at luging lugi kami kaya itong tulong ni President Bongbong Marcos [ay] malaking tulong at malaking grasya sa amin kasi marami akong apo, 14 sila. Our beloved President PBBM, thank you very much sa mga tulong na ibinibigay mo sa amin. Kahit ganito kahirap ang napagdaanan naming bagyo, may konswelo naman kami at binigyan mo kami ng malaking tulong. Salamat po!” Sacsac said.
(This assistance is invaluable, especially since we had no yield during the recent harvest, which left us struggling. Thank you, President Bongbong Marcos, for your generous support. With 14 grandchildren to care for, your help comforts us after the storm. Thank you!)
Marina Calban from Sinamat village in Paugudpud town also expressed her gratitude to the President, stating that it is reassuring for the government to provide them with assistance following the typhoon’s impact.
She said, “Nagpapasalamat kami kasi sa ngayon talaga ay wala rin kaming makain. Thank you kay President BBM sa tulong na ibinigay dito sa Pagudpud dahil lahat kami dito ay naghihirap ngayon.”
(We are grateful for the assistance provided by President BBM, as we currently have nothing to eat here in Pagudpud, where many of us are suffering.)
Before the distribution, President Marcos, along with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, visited the damaged classrooms at Pagudpud National High School and the nearby damaged seawall.
In his message, the President added that the DepEd will implement alternative learning methods to allow classes to resume while the classrooms are being repaired.
Regarding the damaged seawall next to the school, he stated that the rehabilitation project is currently open for bidding. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
