Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte
November 1, 2022
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with local officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and various government agencies, led the distribution of assistance to families affected by the recent Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’ and currently taking shelter in one of the evacuation centers in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The President handed out cash assistance and other basic goods to the evacuees taking refuge at Broce Central Elementary School. The victims were left homeless after massive flooding and landslides devastated the province. He recognized the urgent need to rebuild houses for those affected after conducting an aerial inspection which gave him a clearer view of the extent of damages brought by the tropical storm.
“Nagbibigay kami ng building material mismo. Pero hindi naman ganoon ang nangyari dito kaya ang ibibigay ng DSWD — ininstraksyunan ko na si Secretary Erwin Tulfo, ininstraksyunan ko na siya na imbes na tayo ang magbigay ng construction materials ay bibigyan na lang namin kayo depende five to 10,000 bawat isa para makapagbili ng construction materials at para makapagpili kayo kung ano ‘yung gusto niyo,” he said, noting that the Administration will continue to support those who would be left behind in the evacuation centers when it comes to rebuilding their homes.
Likewise, President Marcos Jr. gave his assurance that all the necessary help will be provided to those who need it the most.
“Kaya iyon ang aming sadya rito para makita kung ano ba talaga ang nangyari, number one. Pangalawa, para tiyakin na lahat na dapat gawin ng national government ay ginagawa natin at lahat ng pangangailangan na nanggagaling sa inyo, sa LGU, ay maibibigay namin hanggat kaya ng national government,” the Chief Executive said.
As reported by BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), around 200,000 households accounting for more than 500,000 people were affected by Tropical Storm ‘Paeng.’ This led the Bangsamoro government to place the entire region in a state of calamity.
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