NAGA: The Office of the President has distributed PHP80 million in financial aid to assist victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in the Bicol Region, delivering funds specifically to address the immediate needs of affected residents in Naga City and Albay.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented a PHP30 million check to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion and a PHP50 million check to acting Albay Vice Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao during a situation briefing held at Naga City Hall. The President assured local officials that the government remains committed to addressing the urgent necessities of those displaced by the storm.
Mayor Legacion reported that approximately 35,850 families, equating to 161,329 individuals, in Naga City have been impacted by substantial flooding caused by the storm. Acting Vice Governor Ong-Bongao noted that in Albay, 571 houses were completely destroyed and 3,203 were damaged, with a landslide in the Burabon village of Libon damaging an add
itional 20 houses.
Ong-Bongao proposed the relocation of 324 families in Libon who are at risk of landslides, alongside recommending emergency housing assistance for those with destroyed or damaged homes. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is ready to provide PHP30,000 to families whose homes were destroyed and PHP10,000 to those with damaged homes. President Marcos stated that temporarily displaced families will remain in evacuation centers until relocation is possible.
Additionally, Marcos confirmed an adequate supply of medicine to address health concerns among victims, including respiratory issues and potential diseases linked to flooding. The government is prepared to manage these health risks with available medical resources.