President Duterte assured the people of Cagayan Valley that the government will work on restoring the flood-hit province to normal as he led the situation briefing on the effects of Typhon Ulysses in the area on Sunday, Nov. 15.
In his remarks, President Duterte said that he was one with the people of Cagayan Valley, especially those affected by the typhoon.
“My solidarity and go out to my fellow Filipinos in Cagayan Valley, most especially the bereaved families of the victims of the unprecedented flooding in the area as the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses,” he said.
“I want to personally assure our fellowmen here that government will continue its rescue operations until all affected families are saved,” he added.
The President assured the people of Cagayan Valley that the government understands what they are going through and will work hard to restore normalcy in the province.
“To my countrymen here in Cagayan Valley, rest assured that we are working hard to rebuild your lives after this calamity,” he said.
“We know your anguish and we will respond with urgency,” he added.
According to President Duterte, he was advised by former President Fidel Ramos that life must return to normal as soon as possible after a disaster.
Meanwhile, Duterte said that more than P1 million worth of assistance was provided to Region II by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), various local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations.
He likewise recognized the need to provide the victims of the flood with clean, potable water.
On Nov. 14, President Duterte announced that he created an inter-agency task force that will streamline the rehabilitation process in areas affected by the recent typhoons so the government’s assistance can reach the people faster.