Marcos orders prompt release of relief aid to calamity-hit areas
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convenes a meeting with governors of calamity-stricken provinces on Feb. 11, 2026. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Marcos has ordered governors to immediately distribute relief and recovery assistance to calamity-stricken communities.
Marcos made the directive when he convened a meeting with governors from provinces severely affected by Tropical Storm Basyang and some Cabinet members, Malacañang said on Thursday, Feb. 12.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the President directed the early release of funds for disaster preparedness, simplification of aid distribution, and the rapid delivery of seeds to farmers to restore agricultural activity after the storm.
"Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang agarang pagpapalabas ng pondo, pagpapabilis ng pamamahagi ng tulong, mabilis na distribusyon ng binhi para sa mga magsasaka, at pagkakaloob ng financial assistance sa mga apektadong pamilya (The President emphasized the immediate release of funds, faster distribution of assistance, rapid distribution of seeds for farmers, and the provision of financial assistance to affected families)," the PCO said.
"Direktiba ng Pangulo na pasimplehin ang proseso upang masigurong agad na makakarating ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan (He directed that procedures be simplified to ensure that aid reaches those in need without delay)," PCO added.
He also ordered preparations for financial assistance programs and the strengthening of river clearing operations to reduce the risk of future flooding.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive also emphasized that government procedures must be streamlined to ensure that relief reaches affected families swiftly and effectively.
Marcos convened the meeting following the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education (DepEd) and provincial local government units (LGUs) on the nationwide classroom building program on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Governor Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte, Governor Humerlito Dolor of Oriental Mindoro, Governor Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro, Governor Ralph Evardone of Eastern Samar, Governor Harris Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Governor Carlos Petilla of Leyte, Acting Governor Arnold Tan of Samar, and Governor Patrick Azanza of Catanduanes.