Marcos orders quick aid distribution for calamity victims

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has directed the immediate release of funds as well as other forms of assistance in areas affected by natural calamities.

Marcos made the directive during a meeting with governors and other members of the Cabinet on Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office said Thursday. The meeting was held following the onslaught of Typhoon Basyang in provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.

This will ensure swift relief and recovery for those affected by natural calamities, the PCO said.

Marcos wants a simplified process in the release of the assistance for families hit by calamities. He prefers funds to be released even before the calamity hit an area, the PCO said. 

According to PCO, the President also discussed river clearing operations to ease flooding in low-level areas.

The governors who attended the meeting include the following:
 

• Governor Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte,
• Governor Humerlito Dolor of Oriental Mindoro,
• Governor Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro,
• Governor Ralph Evardone of Eastern Samar,
• Governor Harris Ongchuan of Northern Samar,
• Governor Carlos Petilla of Leyte,
• Acting Governor Arnold Tan of Samar, and 
• Governor Patrick Azanza of Catanduanes.

Marcos also instructed the rapid delivery of seeds to farmers to restore agricultural activity after the storm.

Marcos assured affected communities that the government is committed to delivering timely relief and long-term recovery measures, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need while reinforcing disaster resilience across vulnerable areas. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News