President Marcos assured the people of Cebu that the national government will remain on the ground to help families recover from the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino.

Speaking after a situation briefing at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Friday, Nov. 7, Marcos said the government’s priority is to restore the lives and livelihoods of affected residents.

“We will be helping the families of those na naging casualty. We will help them to recover, put them back on their feet, and do what we can to make up for the loss that they have suffered,” he said.

“I made the same promise to Cebu, your Governor and your Mayor, that as long as the government, the national government, is needed, we will be here. We are not leaving,” he added.

Before the briefing, the President visited the municipality of Liloan and the city of Talisay to oversee ongoing relief and recovery operations led by national agencies and local government units.

He said that in addition to providing food and clean water, the government is extending financial assistance to affected families.

“Ang binibigay natin ngayon, P5,000 para sa mga partially damaged na bahay at P10,000 para sa completely damaged na bahay. Para mayroon silang magamit para makapagtayo na naman sila ulit ng bahay (We gave P5,000 to those whose houses were partially damaged, and P10,000 for the ones with completely damaged houses so they can rebuild their homes),” he said.

Medical teams have also been deployed to evacuation centers to treat injuries and prevent possible outbreaks of disease, the President added.

President Marcos noted that the greatest damage caused by Tino came from widespread flooding rather than strong winds.

He said existing flood control systems, including dikes and protective barriers, had been damaged by the unprecedented volume of rainfall.

To prevent future risks, the President said the government will coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) to relocate families living in identified no-build zones.

“Relocation plans are being discussed to provide safer homes and temporary shelters for those who cannot yet return,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Marcos also reminded local officials to remain alert despite forecasts showing that the next weather disturbance will not directly affect the Visayas.

Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong (locally named Uwan) is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by midnight Friday or early Saturday morning, and will hit parts of Luzon.