Displaced families due to the recent typhoons shall be prioritized in the government's disaster response, President Marcos said.
During his visit in Ilocos Norte on Sunday, Nov. 10, Marcos directed government agencies to continue sending help to affected families, who were also forced to seek shelter temporarily from their neighbors, until they no longer need help.
"[I]papagpatuloy namin ito hangga’t yung mga na-displace at napilitang tumakbo at makitira sa kanilang mga kapitbahay ay yun na muna, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang aming ibibigay na tulong hangga’t – kagaya ng aking nabanggit – ay hindi na kailangan (We will continue to help those who were displaced and were forced to seek shelter from their neighbors until they no longer need assistance)," Marcos said in his speech at the distribution of assistance in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
During his visit in the province, the President delivered over P70-million livelihood and financial assistance to residents affected by Typhoon Marce.
Marcos extended P50 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President (OP) to Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecillia Araneta-Marcos.
He also witnessed the distribution of P20 million through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to various local chief executives in Ilocos Norte.
The aid from DOLE would benefit 3,895 typhoon victims.
The Chief Executive also inspected the seawall and a school damaged by the typhoon.
In his speech, Marcos directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to promptly repair classrooms that were damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Marce.
While the classrooms are under repair, alternative learning spaces are being set up, Marcos added.
"[M]ayroon tayong mga kung ano-anong paraan. Siyempre pinakamaganda maayos natin yung classroom. Kung hindi pa kayang ayusin yung classroom, mayroon silang ginagawa na alternative learning space [Is that what it’s called?] yeah, alternative learning space kung saan nililipat muna ‘yung mga bata para lang makapag-aral (We have various ways. But, of course, it is better to repair the classrooms. There are alternative learning space where students can study while the construction is underway)," Marcos said.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 9,340 individuals, or 2,903 families were affected by Marce in Ilocos Norte. A total of 540 families, or 1,635 individuals are in the evacuation centers.