Lingayen, Pangasinan
November 22, 2024

“Nagtitipon tayo hindi lamang upang magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga mamamayan, kundi upang maghatid ng suporta at pag-asa para sa lahat ng naapektuhan ng magkakasunod na bagyong tumama sa ating bansa,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said when he led the distribution of Presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families affected by the recent typhoons during a program at the NRSCC Gymnasium in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

In his message, the President emphasized that the series of typhoons that struck the country brought out the spirit of communal unity and cooperation among Filipinos as it showed that even in the face of adversity, the nation stands united.

Recognizing the crucial role that first responders play in times of calamities, he expressed his sincerest gratitude to key government agencies, local officials and organizations who have done their utmost to provide assistance to those in need, even at the risk of their safety.

“Ngayong araw, ihahatid natin ang suporta at malasakit para sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda at kapos-palad na pamilyang Pangasinense na labis na naapektuhan ng mga nagdaang bagyo,” he remarked.

The Office of the President (OP) provided PhP10,000 each to 5,000 beneficiaries across the six (6) Congressional Districts of the municipalities of Pangasinan. This allocated assistance aims to help the livelihoods of the recipients, enabling them to recover from the damages caused by the recent typhoons and start anew.

“Kasama ang DA [Department of Agriculture], DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] at DOLE [Department of Labor and Employment], titiyakin din nating matutulungan ang bawat pamilyang naapektuhan ng bagyo upang manumbalik ang sigla ng inyong pamumuhay,” he added, urging the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to be more proactive in preparing temporary shelter for the affected families.

He likewise called on local government units (LGUs) to utilize the geohazard map — a tool indicating areas vulnerable to hazards caused by natural disasters — to ensure the safety of the areas they cover. “Sa wastong paggabay at paggamit ng impormasyong ito, maiiwasan natin ang malalang pinsala ng mga sakuna, lalong lalo na ang pagkawala ng buhay,” he continued.

Addressing farmers who were greatly affected by the typhoons, the Chief Executive reaffirmed that the Administration continues to seek out and improve modern equipment to withstand the changing weather conditions.

“Mga kababayan, ang laban na ito ay laban nating lahat. Hindi kayang harapin ng pamahalaan ang hamong ito nang nag-iisa… Sama-sama nating itayo ang isang Bagong Pilipinas na mas ligtas, mas handa, mas maunlad — isang bansang may malasakit, pakikipagkapwa at pagkakaisa,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.

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