Tiwi: The national government continues to provide aid and various forms of assistance to the Bicol Region, specifically targeting the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, and Camarines Sur, to expedite recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Uwan.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a situation briefing held on Tuesday in Tiwi, Albay, Cabinet secretaries and their representatives reported to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the aid and interventions being delivered to the affected provinces. Office of Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Administration Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV highlighted that one of the main priorities in Albay's recovery is the repair of over 20,000 damaged houses, with about 1,000 being completely destroyed.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary for the Disaster Response Management Group, Diana Rose Cajipe, reported that more than 259,567 family food packs have been distributed across the six provinces and one component city. Additionally, 5,542 non-food items and 1,260 ready-to-eat meals have been dispensed. She noted that the Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program is on standby, pending the final listing for implementation.
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that efforts are underway to restore power supply. Members of Task Force Kapatid, comprising various electric cooperatives, are actively working in Albay and Catanduanes to repair power lines and posts. Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon assured that infrastructure repairs would be expedited, emphasizing the importance of restoring classrooms, bridges, and roads in Bicol.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Ramon Quintin Claudio Allado mentioned the ongoing distribution of construction materials for both partially and completely damaged houses. Repair kits are being provided to the provinces of Camarines Sur, Naga City, Catanduanes, and Albay.
Department of Information and Communications Technology officer in charge, Regional Director June Vincent Manuel Gaudan, reported that the agency has deployed Starlink satellites in affected provinces and is collaborating with telecommunications companies to ensure the swift restoration of communication lines.
Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo announced that interventions worth PHP253 million are prepared for Albay, with at least 29,000 bags of rice ready for distribution to local government units for relief efforts. The department also offers a SURE Loan for survival and recovery, totaling almost PHP10 million, along with PHP16.9 million in crop insurance.
President Marcos reassured the public that the government remains committed to aiding in the recovery of the affected people, their livelihoods, and the regional economy, stating, "As I always promised to areas that have been hit by calamities, the national government is here for as long as you need us."
