MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the immediate release of P321 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) severely impacted by Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha) and the recent shear line.
The fund is intended to support recovery efforts across 35 provinces and seven cities, where the storm caused significant casualties, infrastructure damage, and mass displacement earlier this month.
Impact of Tropical Storm Basyang
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported a heavy toll from the weather disturbance:
- Casualties: At least 12 fatalities and 36 injured persons.
- Displacement: A total of 182,352 families—approximately 645,612 individuals—were affected.
- Areas Hit: The storm impacted several regions, including Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga. In Surigao del Sur alone, losses have topped P1 billion.
Recipients of the P321M Fund
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that the funds would be used for immediate relief for displaced constituents and the rehabilitation of damaged local infrastructure.
Recipient Provinces 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.
Recipient Cities Include: Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Butuan, Cebu, Zamboanga, Iloilo, and Mandaue.
Long-Term Mitigation
Aside from the financial aid, President Marcos has ordered local chief executives to implement immediate river clearing operations and flood mitigation measures. These steps are intended to reduce the risk of future flooding as the administration seeks a more coordinated response between national and local governments for disaster management.
LGUs are required to submit detailed reports on the utilization of the funds to ensure transparency and accountability in the recovery process.