By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Families affected by the southwest monsoon in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte received government financial assistance and relief supplies over the weekend.

In a Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the distribution of assistance was upon the directive of President Marcos, who was represented by Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. at the event on Sunday, July 14.

"We are here to make sure na matugunan lahat ng pangangailangan (that all your needs are addressed)," Lagdameo said during the aid distribution at the Matanog Municipal Hall.

"You have the full support of the national government and BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) government," he added.

In a separate post, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the assistance distributed was under the agency's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICs).

"The aid-giving in Matanog was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to assist flood-affected families to ensure that they are able to cope with the effects of the 'Habagat' that continues to prevail in some parts of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," the DSWD said on Facebook.

The municipality of Matanog is one of the heavily flooded areas in Maguindao del Norte.

At least 76 residents, whose houses were partially damaged, received P5,000 each, amounting to P380,000. The 286 residents, with totally damaged houses, received P10,000 each or a total of P2,860,000.

Burial assistance of P10,000 was given to two beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, at the Balabagan Evacuation Center, the government extended P785,000 in financial assistance to 157 residents whose houses were partially damaged (P5,000 each); P100,000 to 10 residents whose houses were totally damaged; and P10,000 in burial assistance to two residents.

In another development, Secretary Gatchalian highlighted the importance of proactive measures in disaster preparedness as they ensure swift and efficient response to weather-related occurrences in Mindanao.

Lagdameo and Gatchalian led the disaster briefing at the Tactical Operations Group XII in Maguindanao del Norte along with Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group Diana Rose Cajipe.

The briefing also provided a comprehensive report on damages incurred and ongoing assistance efforts. They likewise discussed future strategies to mitigate risks and enhance community resilience.

The Cabinet secretaries also met with Lanao del Sur government officials to determine what other assistance is needed in the area and how the national government can help the affected families.