An aerial shot taken from a Philippine Army helicopter by a Davao de Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office personnel on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, shows the extent of the damage caused by floods in the town of Monkayo. (Photo from the Davao de Oro Provincial Government)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. approved the release of P265 million for the victims of flooding due to inclement weather in Mindanao.
Since January, the Davao region has been hit by rains and floods caused by the shear line and trough or extension of a low-pressure area.
“I released P265 million to make sure that the pace of the response is immediate at maramdaman kaagad ng tao, meron kaagad silang tulong. Maramdaman nila kaagad na meron silang gagamitin sa pangangailangan nila,” said Marcos in a situation briefing in Davao City.
(I released P265 million to make sure that the pace of the response is immediate and felt by people. They have to receive help right away and have resources for their daily needs.)
During the briefing, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that it was important to provide more than food to the victims.
“I think that we are doing all right in the food— the provision of food packs, etc. But as the Secretary was explaining, it gets to the point that food is not the only thing people need. They need to buy other things for their household,” said Marcos in English and Filipino.
The cash aid is broken down as follows:
- Province of Davao del Norte – P30 million
- Province of Davao Oriental – P30 million
- Province of Davao de Oro – P30 million
- Province of Agusan del Sur – P30 million
- Province of Surigao del Sur – P25 million
- Province of Maguindanao del Sur – P25 million
- Davao City – P20 million
- Butuan City – P20 million
- Province of Davao Occidental – P20 million
- Province of Agusan del Norte – P15 million
- Province of Cotabato – P10 million
- Province of Bukidnon – P10 million