Instead of construction materials, the government will give at least P5,000 to those whose homes were damaged by Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng" in Maguindanao.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he already instructed Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo to provide cash assistance, so that affected families can choose what to do with their money when it comes to reconstructing their houses.

"Imbis na tayo ang magbigay ng construction materials ay bibigyan nalang namin kayo, depende, P5,000 to 10,000 bawat isa, para makapagbili ng construction materials, para makapagpili kayo ng paano gusto niyong gawin (Instead of us giving construction materials, we will just give P5,000 to P10,000 each so you can buy one and choose your own preference)," he said during the distribution of assistance to the victims of "Paeng" in the province.

Meanwhile, those who remain at the evacuation centers will be taken care of until they are finally able to return home.

"Binabantayan din natin yung mga naiwan pa sa evacuation center. Patuloy namin na susuportahan 'yan (We are also monitoring those who are still in the evacuation centers. We will continue supporting them)," he said.

Aside from food packs, the President also asked Tulfo to bring medical assistance, particularly vitamins and medicines, to evacuation centers.

He said the department must prioritize bringing nonprescription medicines first while it is still waiting for the arrival of physicians in the area.

He also wanted the agency to come up with a standard operating procedure for prescribed medicines in future natural calamities.

"Magdala na tayo ng mga yung simple lang... para (We bring simple medicines, so) you know all the common ailments that can be cured by non prescription medicines," he said.

"Then we work in coordination with military doctors and medical workers para mabilis (to make it faster)," he added.