President Marcos has led the distribution of relief assistance to residents of Cagayan province affected by Super Typhoon Nando, with a focus on helping farmers recover their livelihoods.

In his speech on Saturday, Sept. 27, the President said he went to Cagayan to check on the residents who suffered during the typhoon.

“Nandito po kami upang mabigyan ng tulong ang ating mga magsasaka na tinamaan ng Bagyong Nando. At nakita naman natin dito sa Cagayan ang isa sa — ang tinamaan nang malakas (We are here to provide aid to our farmers hit by Typhoon Nando. Cagayan was among those severely affected),” he said.

According to Malacañang, 2,533 beneficiaries from Gonzaga and Sta. Ana received support during the aid distribution at the Gonzaga People’s Gymnasium in the town of Gonzaga.

Each beneficiary was given P10,000 in financial assistance and a family food pack containing six kilograms of rice, canned goods, chocolate drink, and instant coffee—enough to sustain a family of five for two to three days.

In his speech, President Marcos said the government will prioritize farmers in recovery efforts, noting their vital role in sustaining the province’s agricultural output.

He added that reforms in the agriculture sector are necessary to build resilience against worsening climate patterns.

“Marami po tayong naging biktima at marami po tayong kailangan na tulungan dahil po ito nga ay wala tayong magagawa nagbabago talaga ang panahon (Many became victims and many need our help because we cannot stop the changing climate),” he said.

“Kailangan po natin baguhin ang ating sistema ng agrikultura (We need to change our agricultural system),” he added.

Marcos emphasized the need to improve forecasting and disaster response mechanisms.

“Kailangan natin kilalanin at maunawaan kung ano ba ang kailangang gawin para sa sistema ng ating weather prediction, ng PAGASA, lahat ‘yan para mas maganda ang ating response (We need to recognize and understand what must be done with our weather prediction systems, with PAGASA, all of that so our response improves),” he said.

Super Typhoon Nando caused extensive destruction to homes, farmlands, and livelihoods in Cagayan, one of the hardest-hit provinces in Northern Luzon.