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. He was welcomed by Governor Joseph Cua, Talino at Galing ng Pilipino (TGP) partylist Representative Jose Teves Jr., Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes, and several other mayors of the province.
“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.)
Article continues after this advertisementFurthermore, Marcos said the government will also address the damage sustained in regional government offices.
Article continues after this advertisement“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.)
He then instructed national agencies to expedite relief operations and rehabilitation efforts, emphasizing that both immediate and long-term needs are being prioritized.
During the distribution, Marcos handed P50 million from the Office of the President to the provincial government of Catanduanes.
He added that the aid package from the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be given, including cash assistance for the province, enabling them to purchase essentials like milk for the children, medicines for the sick, and other immediate needs.
Marcos also directed the Department of Agriculture to focus on helping farmers recover and restore their livelihoods. “We are thankful to our beloved President for personally coming to deliver aid from the national government. Your presence is a testament to your dedication to providing immediate assistance and genuine care for us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you,” Cua said in his reply to the President. The P50 million fund is expected to address the urgent needs of affected communities, including shelter construction and the provision of essential supplies.Before the distribution, Marcos 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
