President Marcos has ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other relevant government agencies to ensure the welfare of first responders as he expressed his gratitude to them anew for their sacrifices during the recent series of typhoons.

Marcos said this as he led the distribution of government aid to residents of typhoon-hit communities in Ilagan City, Isabela on Friday, Nov. 22.

In his speech, the President thanked the first responders who endured physical pain and other challenges to ensure the safety and welfare of their countrymen during the spate of typhoons in the country.

"Ilang bagyo na ang dumaan pero nariyan pa rin kayo na handang tumulong, hindi alintana ang puyat, pagod at sama ng panahon (Several typhoons have passed but you're still here willing to help, not minding the lack of sleep, exhaustion, and the bad weather)," he said.

"Saludo ako sa inyong lakas, tibay, at tapang. Kaya muli, tanggapin ninyo ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat (I salute your strength, endurance, and courage. So, once again, please accept my heartfelt gratitude)” he added.

President Marcos encouraged first responders to continue their heroic deeds as he assured them of the government's support for their welfare.

"Alam ko pong mabigat ang inyong iniinda, ngunit sana hindi po tayo panghinaan ng loob (I know that it's difficult for you but I hope you won't lose hope)," he said.

"DKasama sa aking bilin sa DSWD, at ilan pang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tiyakin na naaasikaso at naaalagaan din ang kapakanan ng ating mga first responders (One of my instructions to the DSWD and other government agencies was to ensure that our first responders are taken care of)," he added

During the event, Marcos led the distribution of P325 million in financial assistance to typhoon-hit farmers and fisherfolk in the Cagayan Valley region. Of this figure, the President handed P10,000 each to 1,500 beneficiaries in Isabela, P10 million each to the local government of Tuguegarao City, and P10 million each to 20 typhoon-affected municipalities in Cagayan.

President Marcos also extended P50 million each to the provincial governments of Quirino and Isabela.

In his speech, President Marcos assured Cagayan of the government’s relentless support to typhoon-hit communities as he reassured the people that the government was aware of the effects of the recent typhoons on their homes and livelihood, and the infrastructure in the area.

"Ang inyong pamahalaan ay laging namang handa na tumulong at samahan kayong makabangon (Your government is always ready to assist you in your recovery)," he said.

Expedite infra projects

To address the long-term impact of climate-related disasters, Marcos listed key government projects designed to bolster disaster resilience in the region, including flood control mitigation structures like the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project, irrigation systems, and rehabilitation initiatives for major river basins—such as the Cagayan River Basic— and dams.

The President instructed government agencies and local government units to expedite the projects and ensure their timely completion.

"Para sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan, siguruhin natin na matapos ang mga proyektong ito upang maibsan ang panganib at pinsalang dulot ng madalas na pagbaha (To the government agencies and local government units, ensure the completion of these projects to minimize the dangers caused by flooding)," he said.

According to Marcos, the Magat Dam is already being worked on as well as the Balasig Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, which is designed to enhance flood mitigation and provide reliable irrigation water in Isabela utilizing the Balasig River.

The Tuguegarao Circumferential Dike Road Project, which is being built to protect nearby communities by stabilizing riverbank soil and increasing the river’s drainage capacity, was also monitored

Meanwhile, flood control structures along the Cagayan River, particularly in Barangay Anao, Roxas, Isabela, Sta. Maria, Isabela have already been completed.

Marcos said these structures are expected to protect riverbank areas by diverting water flow and slowing down natural changes in embankments and coastlines. They will also serve as access roads to nearby agricultural lands.