PBBM visit to Catanduanes boosts morale of typhoon-affected residents
2024-Nov-20 16:00
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gives his message to the residents of Catanduanes province on Tuesday (Nov. 19, 2024) following the onslaught of "Pepito" (Man-yi). He also conducted an aerial inspection to assess the extent of damage in areas where the super typhoon made a landfall on Nov. 16. (PNA/Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to Catanduanes on Tuesday provided a significant morale boost to residents affected by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi).
In an interview, Ma. Luisa Calla, 34, from Barangay Moonwalk in the capital town of Virac, expressed happiness at seeing the President in person.
"His presence makes me smile and inspires me to feel better after the damage caused by Pepito," she said.
Calla recounted how the roof of her house was ripped away by the storm. "I am asking the President for assistance to help rehabilitate our home," she said.
Nila Dilay, 50, from Barangay Francia, also appreciated the President's visit.
"It makes me feel important to see him here with us. Despite his busy schedule, he chose to meet us instead of sending his Cabinet secretaries. It's heartwarming to see the President in person," she said.
Dilay mentioned that her family evacuated during the typhoon, following the government's preemptive evacuation measures.
Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua thanked the President for the support provided by the national government.
"Your arrival is proof of your commitment to helping us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Welcome to Catanduanes," Cua said.
The President conducted an aerial inspection of the municipalities severely affected by "Pepito".
He also presented a check for P50 million to Governor Cua to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The President also led the distribution of 1,000 family food packs and oversaw the distribution of P5,000 cash aid to each of 500 families from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Accompanying the President were Cabinet secretaries from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), an undersecretary from the Office of Civil Defense, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez. (PNA)