President Marcos has led the distribution of a total of P100 million worth of financial assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and other families affected by the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Camarines Sur and Albay last month.

Five thousand beneficiaries from 15 municipalities from Camarines Sur received P10,000 each through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program.

In his speech at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur on Wednesday, Nov. 6, the President hoped the assistance would help the beneficiaries in their recovery from the effects of the storm.

"Umaasa ako na sa tulong at suportang inihahatid namin sa inyo ngayon, kayo ay magkakaroon ng sapat na kakayahan para makabangon muli (I am hoping that with the assistance you will receive today, you will have enough to get back on your feet)," he said.

Of the 5,000 beneficiaries, 600 each are from the municipalities of Minalabac and Nabua; 500 each from Milaor and Bula; 450 from San Fernando; 400 each from Gainza and Baao; 350 from Canaman; 250 each from Libmanan and Camaligan; and 200 each from Calabanga and Pili.

Financial aid will also be extended to 100 residents each from the municipalities of Pamplona, Bombon, and Magarao.

Meanwhile, another 5,000 beneficiaries from three cities and 15 municipalities in Albay received P10,000 each.

The President distributed financial assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Libon; 900 in Oas; 400 in Guinobatan; 300 each in Camalig and Polangui; 200 each in Pio Duran and Malinao; and 150 each in Daraga and Tiwi.

He also extended aid to 100 beneficiaries each in Rapu-Rapu, Malilipot, and Jovellar; and 80 each in Sto. Domingo and Bacacay; 60 in Manito; 450 in the city of Tabaco; 350 in Legazpi; and 80 in Ligao City. 

Aside from the financial aid from the Office of the President (OP), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided a Training Support Fund of P3,413,700 to 1,162 beneficiaries from Albay. 

According to Marcos, the government is working hard to restore normalcy to the areas ravaged by Typhoon Kristine.

"Talagang nagpupursigi tayo na maibalik sa normal sa lalong madaling panahon ang mga nasirang tahanan, imprastraktura, at kabuhayan nitong bagyo (We are striving to restore the damaged properties, infrastructure, and livelihood to normal as soon as possible)," he said.

Ahead of President Marcos’ arrival, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel extended P247,442.25 in crop insurance payments to 10 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian.

The crop insurance payments for farmers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine are currently being processed by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

In a situation briefing at the Naga City Hall last week, President Marcos released a total of P130 million in financial assistance: P50 million to acting Albay Governor Glenda Ong-Bongao; P30 million to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion; and P50 million to Camarines Sur.

Before concluding his speech, Marcos reminded the residents that the Philippines is currently experiencing the effects of climate change. He assured the government is actively addressing the situation.

The President has ordered all relevant government agencies to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation project, including efforts to revisit the Bicol River Basin Development Program.