MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the turnover of around P120 million worth of aid to local government units (LGUs) of the Caraga Administrative Region following continuous inclement weather in the area.
In Agusan del Sur, Marcos presided over a situation briefing with local and national leaders on the effects of the trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) in Caraga.
“We leave it to the LGUs, it’s up to you. We’ll supply what we can, what we have because you know who is in need, and where they are to be found. So that, as usual, the last mile is always LGU,” the president said, speaking partly in Filipino.
Agusan del Sur was also given additional aid for the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck the province early this month.
The breakdown of the financial assistance for Caraga was as follows:
- Agusan del Sur: P40 million
- Agusan del Norte: P15 million
- Surigao del Sur: P35 million
- Surigao del Norte: P10 million
- Butuan City: P20 million
Among Cabinet secretaries who joined Marcos in Caraga were Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, and Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Apart from the LPA affecting Caraga, Mindanao has been battered with continuous rains since January, which triggered widespread flooding as well as landslides.