President Marcos ordered the release of P321 million in financial assistance to local government units affected by Tropical Storm Basyang and the shear line, Malacañang said.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the directive covered 35 provinces and eight cities, with funds to be immediately released to beneficiaries in compliance with the President’s instruction.

In his order, President Marcos cited the impact of the recent weather disturbances, noting they resulted “in the displacement of a significant number of people, casualties and damage to infrastructure.”

The Office of Civil Defense reported at least 12 fatalities linked to the storm’s aftermath.

Recto said the assistance would enable recipient LGUs to support displaced residents and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.

“The assistance would allow these communities to recover as expeditiously as possible from the recent weather events,” he said, adding that it forms part of the administration’s support for LGUs and their constituents.

Provinces set to receive aid include Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Negros Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Leyte, Cebu, Catanduanes, Iloilo, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon, Misamis Occidental, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Lanao del Norte, Antique, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Camarines Norte, Bukidnon, Siquijor, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar, Northern Samar, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.

Cities listed as recipients are Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Mandaue.

Recto asked the LGUs to submit utilization reports on the funds in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

The President also met with governors from heavily affected provinces to ensure a coordinated response and ordered river clearing and flood mitigation measures to reduce future risks to communities.