President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. decided to enliven the mood of those involved in the distribution of assistance to Abra residents affected by Super Typhoon Egay by joking that he might be the harbinger of tragedy since he only visits the province when disaster strikes.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (RTVM screenshot)

Marcos said this as he led the distribution of various government aid to residents affected by Super Typhoon Egay in Bangued, Abra, on Saturday, July 29.

In his speech, the President remembered how his first visit to Abra since assuming office was to oversee the government's response to the 7.0-magnitude quake that shook the province on July 27, 2022.

"Nndito rin ako (I was also here) last year. One year and one week before. Sabi ko noong nangyari yun lindol naman yun. Ngayon, nandito na naman ako bagyo naman itong nakaharap sa atin (That was for an earthquake. Now, it's because of a typhoon)," he said.

"Kaya’t sabi ko hindi na ako babalik dito kung ‘di pampiyesta na lang. Ayaw ko na ng ganito. Baka ako nagdadala nito (That's why I toldthem I won't return here if it's not for a festival. I don't want this anymore. Maybe I'm the cause of this)," he added, earning the applause and giggles of the crowd.

Marcos then asked the local officials to invite him when they next have a celebration.

"Kailan ang susunod niyong piyesta? March? O sige, doon na lang ako pupunta (When is your next fiesta? March? Okay, I'll go there instead)," he said.

"Siguro pagka ganoon i-schedule na natin para hindi na pupuwedeng pumasok ang bagyo at hindi na maglindol (If that's the case, let's schedule it so that typhoons and earthquakes won't happen anymore)," he added.

President Marcos has assured those affected by the typhoon that the government has already prepared everything they need.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided P5.62 million worth of assistance to the affected residents with the help of the local government unit (LGU) of Abra and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – Cordillera Administrative Region.

At least 8,375 family food packs and 5,926 other food and non-food items were also made available for the victims of super typhoon Egay. At the same time, 96 gallons of water and 1,142 hygiene kits were provided to the affected residents.

President Marcos, who also serves as the Agriculture Secretary, has made various assistance available for the affected farmers and fishers, such as seeds, medicines and biologics for livestock and poultry, and fingerlings.

At least 10 families or 42 individuals are currently taking temporary shelter in four evacuation centers in Abra due to super typhoon Egay that left P1.03 million worth of agricultural damage and losses, affecting 17 farmers and fisherfolk.