MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the President distributed P50 million in cash assistance to farmers, fishermen and families affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon in Oriental Mindoro.
The distribution was led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in a ceremony in Pinamalayan town on Thursday, where 5,000 individuals received P10,000 each.
In his speech, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to assist calamity victims until they fully recover.
READ: Ofel nears super typhoon category; Cagayan under Signal No. 4
“Your strength despite this hardship gives us the determination to continue to serve you wholeheartedly,” he said.
“Compatriots, the distribution of this aid is a sign of our vow to each other — that no matter what happens, we will always work together. And the recovery from this disaster depends on each one of us,” the president added.
Many Filipinos have not recovered from the devastation of the recent calamities. Yet, the state weather bureau has announced on Thursday morning that Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) has reached the super typhoon category.
Meanwhile, a tropical storm bearing the international name Man-yi may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday evening. It will be assigned the local name “Pepito” once it enters PAR.