PBBM commits continued support for typhoon victims in Cebu

CEBU -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. committed the national government’s full and continued support for the people of Cebu seeing firsthand the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino and expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives, assuring affected families that the government will continue to assist them in recovering from the disaster.

"As long as the national government is needed, we will be here. We are not leaving. 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,” speaking after the situation briefing at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Friday, November 7.

Marcos vowed to help the families of those with casualty, helping them to recover, to put back on their feet and do what the government can to make up for the loss that they suffered.  Prior to the briefing at Capitol, the President visited Liloan town and the City of Talisay to oversee the relief and recovery efforts being conducted by various government agencies.

The President said aside from providing the essential needs such as food and water to displaced families, the government will also extend financial assistance to those whose homes were damaged—P5,00 for partially damaged houses and P10,000 for those completely damaged houses.  Medical teams have also been deployed to treat injuries and prevent disease outbreaks in evacuation centers.

Marcos noted that the primary damage from the typhoon came from severe flooding rather than strong winds. He said the existing flood control structures, such as dikes and protective barriers, were damaged by the volume of rainfall.

The briefing at the Capitol also discussed the government’s relocation plans for families living in no-build zones. He said coordination with local government units (LGUs) is ongoing to identify safe relocation sites and provide temporary shelters for those who cannot return to their homes yet.

Meanwhile, the President reminded local officials to remain vigilant and prepared, even though the incoming weather disturbance is not expected to directly affect the Visayas region.

“Sa tingin namin, hindi naman yata dadaan dito sa Visayas pero mag-ingat pa rin lahat. At hindi natin alam dahil kami kung minsan lumilipat. Kami naman ngayon, Northern Luzon and Central Luzon ang nag-aabang para dito sa Uwan na parating,” Marcos said.

Severe Tropical Storm Fung-wong is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Friday midnight or early Saturday morning. It will be called Uwan locally. (Photos/PR: PND/PIA/Capitol PIO)