President Duterte vowed that the government will continue providing food and shelter to all those affected by Tropical Depression Agaton, saying they do not even have to buy their own food "until the end of time" if they want to.
Duterte made this pronouncement during his visit to Leyte on Good Friday, April 15, where he handed out relief goods to the typhoon survivors.
In his speech, primarily delivered in Bisaya, the President assured the typhoon victims that they were not forgotten.
"So this is what I came here for, to let you know that the government has not forgotten you. I will say this again, and I repeat, food won’t be a problem," he said during the distribution of relief assistance to the survivors in Baybay City Senior High School.
"You will be given food to eat until the end of time, even after you’ve rebuilt your houses. You can even stop buying your own rice if you want. Just approach the DWSD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)," he added.
President Duterte, however, said he was heartbroken after witnessing the wrath of Agaton during his aerial inspection in Baybay City. He hoped that his visit would make the typhoon victims at least smile.
"This is what I really came for; I just want to make you smile," he said.
"I know what you’re going through, especially those who are wounded. It pains me, too. While I was conducting an aerial inspection earlier, Jalad told me that there’s a lot more," he added, referring to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director and Civil Defense Administrator Ricardo Jalad.
While he does not have a complete picture of the devastation, Duterte said it is up to the local officials to see to it that the needs of those affected are addressed and the problems that are yet to be identified.
The President likewise promised to help Leyte residents rebuild their homes.
"You will be given a new house, but it would be a long, long process and not an easy one unless there’s a miracle. But the government will help you resettle first," he said.
Leyte was heavily hit by Typhoon Agaton, claiming lives due to landslides and flooding triggered by the typhoon.