Marcos vows to rebuild homes, gov’t buildings in Pepito-hit Catanduanes

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that the government will focus on rebuilding damaged houses and public buildings in Catanduanes after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi).

Marcos made the pronouncement during his visit to Virac, Catanduanes, where he led the distribution of assistance to affected residents.

“Reconstruction ang ating bibigyan ng pansin… magbibigay kami ng building materials, yero, dos por dos, martilyo at pako, para kahit papaano masimulan ang pagpapaayos ng inyong mga bahay ‘yung mga damaged na mga bahay at ‘yung tinitignan namin partially damaged homes and fully damaged homes,” said Marcos in a speech.

(Reconstruction is what we will focus on… we will provide building materials, galvanized iron sheets, wood, hammers, and nails so that you can start repairing your houses, the damaged houses, and the ones we are looking at, partially damaged homes and fully damaged homes.)

“Meron din tayong binibigay na cash para makabili ng iba’t ibang gamit at pangangailangan for reconstruction and rebuilding,” he added.

(We are also giving out cash for various items and needs for reconstruction and rebuilding.)

Likewise, Marcos said the government will also address the damage sustained in regional government offices.

“Para naman ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan local government at national meron tayong headquarters meron tayong magamit. Titiyakin namin na ‘yung services na binibigay sa taong bayan ay tuloy tuloy lang po,” said Marcos.

(So that the services of the government, both local and national, have a proper headquarters and facilities to use. We will ensure that the services provided to the public continue without interruption.)

During the distribution, Marcos handed P50 million from the Office of the President to the provincial government of Catanduanes.

Food packs were also distributed to victims of the typhoon.

Before the distribution, Marcos also conducted an aerial inspection of the province to assess the damage caused by Pepito.

Pepito ravaged parts of the province over the weekend before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday.

READ: Pagasa says 3 Luzon dams still releasing water after Pepito’s exit