Marcos distributes aid to storm-ravaged Batangas towns

People cross a river next to a bridge that collapsed after the river overflew due to heavy rains brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Laurel, Batangas on October 25, 2024. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. turned over financial assistance worth P60 million to the municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Lemery, Cuenca, and Balete in Batangas, which were severely affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Marcos turned over the checks to local officials in a ceremony in Talisay on Monday.

Likewise, Marcos handed over financial aid worth P10,000 to 10 select beneficiaries from the Talisay and Agoncillo towns.

He also led the turnover of 159 housing kits, amounting to P6 million, from the Metrobank Foundation, which was donated through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

“Batid namin na hindi madaling maibsang ang sakit na inyong pinagdadaan na, ngunit umaasa kami sa support ng handog namin ngayon kayo ay makapagsimula muli,” Marcos said in his speech.

(We know that the pain you are going through is not easy,  but we hope that you can start over with the support we offer today.)

He attended a mass and blessing ceremony to support the bereaved families before the event.

Under Proclamation No. 728, series 2024, Marcos declared November 4 as a Day of National Mourning for the victims of Kristine.