Government assistance to continue, Aquino assures Borongan residents

President Benigno S. Aquino III, between Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — President Benigno Aquino III on Monday assured residents of Eastern Samar that the government would continue providing assistance to communities affected by Typhoon Ruby, even as it shifts from the relief phase to the recovery and rehabilitation phase.

President Aquino visited Borongan, one of the areas hardest hit by the typhoon, to assess the damage in the city, as well as to check the government’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts. He also stopped by Dolores, Eastern Samar.

Citing the importance of preparedness, the Chief Executive took note of the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of Typhoon Ruby, as well as the coordination between the national government and local governments in responding to the typhoon.

“Sa mabuting pamamahala at maigting na paghahanda, maraming kababayan natin ang nailayo sa peligrong dulot ng bagyong Ruby. Gayundin naiwasan ang mas matinding pinsala na maaari sanang idinulot nito kung nagwalang-bahala tayo,” he said.

Prior to Ruby’s landfall, President Aquino said 146,875 families underwent pre-emptive evacuation, while 318,532 family food packs were already prepositioned in the regional offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He said disaster response teams were also deployed.

The President also noted the government’s efforts after the onslaught of Typhoon Ruby, saying that immediate relief was given to the affected communities.

Assistance to affected communities continues and the government is now shifting from the relief phase to the recovery and rehabilitation phase, he said, adding that in Borongan alone, 18,609 family food packs have already been distributed.

During his visit here, the President turned over to Borongan City Mayor Maria Fe Abunda a cheque worth P68 million for the Cash for Work Program. The assistance will benefit 17,457 family-beneficiaries.

President Aquino, in his speech, assured the residents that the government would continue monitoring its operations to ensure the fast recovery and rehabilitation of the typhoon-stricken communities.

He also thanked the people for their cooperation in the government’s efforts to move them to safer areas before the typhoon struck, and lauded local government units, humanitarian organizations and volunteers for their help.

“Makakaasa po kayo: Patuloy pa nating susubaybayan ang mga operasyon ng gobyerno upang mapabilis ang panunumbalik sa mas mabuti pa sa normal ng mga apektadong komunidad,” he said.

The President also led the distribution of kits for fixing shelters and hygiene kits to typhoon-affected residents.