Marcos tasks DBM to allot P100M for Masbate's rehab

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday instructed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allocate P100 million to support the rehabilitation of Masbate province following the onslaught of Typhoon Opong. 

Masbate was the hardest hit area by Typhoon Opong, according to the Office of Civil Defense had said.

''Nag-instruction din ako, dahil sa request ng Governor, nag-instruct na ko sa DBM bago ako umalis ng Maynila na mag download ng P100 million na LGSF (Local Government Support Fund) para mayroon kayong immediate na magamit para sa rehabilitation,'' Marcos said during his visit. 

(I've instructed the DBM before leaving Manila to download P100 million LGSF so that you have funds for rehabilitation.)

''Huwag kayo mag-alala, patuloy po ang suporta ng pamahalaan hangga't nangangailangan kayo,'' the President added.

(Don't worry, the government will continue to support you.)

Earlier reports said Opong affected 150,000 individuals and left 14,000 partially damaged and 3,500 totally damaged houses in the province.

There is also no cellphone signal in Masbate. Some telecommunications companies provide free WiFi but for a limited time.

Further, some roads remain impassable due to fallen electric posts and debris.

Authorities said power and water supply may return in about a month. An internet satellite was also provided for the province. —VAL, GMA Integrated News