President Marcos has handed over P50-million financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Pangasinan following the devastation brought by the series of typhoons in the province.
Of the figure, Marcos extended P10,000 each to 5,000 needy farmers and fisherfolk.
In his speech during the distribution event on Friday, Nov. 22, the President said the government aid aims to help typhoon victims rebuild their livelihoods. He assured them of the continued support through the collaboration of various agencies.
He directed government agencies and local authorities to further intensify responses to the needs of Pangasinenses, many of whom require temporary shelters.
“Inaatasan ko ang ating mga ahensya at mga lokal na pamahalaan na lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga Pangasinense (I am directing our agencies and local government units to further provide help to those in need,” Marcos said.
“Inaatasan ko naman ang DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development) —yung ating housing— at DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) na maging masigasig sa paghahandog ng pansamantalang tirahan para sa mga pamilyang nasalanta (I am also directing the DHSUD and DSWD to actively provide temporary housing to typhoon-hit families),” he added.
The President also assured the people of Pangasinan that the government is stepping up its preparedness for strong calamities caused by climate change.
“Titiyakin po naming doble o triple pa ang ating paghahanda at pag-iingat sa harap ng mga kalamidad na lalong pinalalakas ng tinatawag na climate change (We will make sure that our preparedness for calamities intensified by climate change is strengthened),” Marcos said.
Marcos encouraged the use of available resources and knowledge materials, such as geohazard maps, for public safety amid the calamities.
The proper use of relevant information can help mitigate effects of climate disasters, he said.