8,000 Masbate residents affected by Opong receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

Over 8,000 residents in Masbate received relief assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation following the devastation caused by Typhoon Opong.

In Mel Tiangco's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, the foundation mobilized its Operation Bayanihan initiative to deliver aid to the hardest-hit communities.

Typhoon Opong made two landfalls in Masbate, leaving widespread damage in towns like Milagros, Aroroy, and Baleno. Many homes were destroyed, especially those near the coast, and residents struggled to find shelter and food.

"Huwag kayo mag-alala, ang munisipyo may kakayahang pambili, ang problema namin 'yung availability ng mga construction materials," said Milagros mayor Natividad Isabel Magbalon.

("Don't worry, the municipality has funds to buy, our problem is the availability of construction materials.")

One resident, Mary Ann Dalanon, shared that her family now lives under patched-up tarpaulins.

"Wala na kaming matirhan. 'Yung mga kapitbahay namin 'yun na lang nagbigay ng tent namin. 'Yung natirang mga yero, 'yun ang cinocover namin," she said.

("We have nowhere to live. Our neighbor gave us a tent. We used leftover roofing sheets to cover ourselves.")

Her husband continues to fish just to provide food, but rice remains a major concern.

"Bigas, wala. Kasi lahat dito bigas ang problema," she said.

("We have no rice. Everyone here has the same problem.")

Through Operation Bayanihan, the GMA Kapuso Foundation transported sacks of relief goods to Masbate.

"Maraming salamat po Kapuso, may isasaing na kami," said Mary Ann and her husband Michael Garcia.

("Thank you, Kapuso, we finally have rice to cook.")

The foundation is preparing to bring aid to Romblon, which was also hit by Typhoon Opong, and to earthquake victims in Cebu.

If you wish to help the relief efforts, donations can be made via bank deposit, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, Lazada, Globe Rewards, and Metrobank credit cards. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

Note: This article was produced with the assistance of AI. —MGP, GMA Integrated News