Masbate: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his promise that no one would be left behind during times of calamity, in particular, the resilient people of the Bicol Region, known for its vulnerability to natural disasters. The year 2025 was fraught with hardship as nature unleashed frequent storms, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting livelihoods.

According to Philippines News Agency, through it all, a spirit of resilience shone in Bicol as its people faced the challenges head-on, buoyed by the support of their leaders. In a region often battered by nature's fury, the Marcos administration mobilized an array of interventions aimed at swift recovery, seeking to alleviate the struggles faced by families in distress. The President visited various provinces in Bicol, his presence symbolizing solidarity and support.

On October 1, he visited Masbate, where the scars of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong (international name Bualoi) were still fresh. He visited Catanduanes on November 13 and went to Albay on November 18 to assess the aftermath of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong). Though he had planned to visit Camarines Sur, inclement weather thwarted that intention. Accompanied by key Cabinet secretaries, the President brought with him a trove of aid-including food, essentials, and financial support-crafted to foster recovery for the affected communities.

His visits were not mere formalities; he made it a point to hear, see, and feel the plight of the residents firsthand. The joint efforts included officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Energy, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Department of Labor and Employment.

Masbate Governor Richard Kho expressed gratitude towards the Chief Executive for the government's prompt response to their needs. 'President, thank you so much for your attention to Masbate during this critical time. With the coordinated efforts of all agencies, our road-clearing initiatives are gaining significant momentum, especially on national highways, enabling us to deliver relief supplies to various municipalities swiftly,' he said.

Estella Abilong, a 28-year-old resident from Barangay Bolo in Masbate City, shared her heartfelt sentiments, noting how the President's aid and compassion were deeply felt in their community during trying times. In Albay, Governor Noel Rosal welcomed the President's visit to Tiwi - one of the worst-hit towns - where displaced residents had the opportunity to express their needs directly to him. Geraldine Pongan, the principal of Cararayan-Naga Elementary School, thanked him.

'I am overwhelmed by the President's visit. Understanding his busy schedule, we appreciate his efforts to be here. Thank you so much, Mr. President, for prioritizing the repair of our classrooms,' she said, her eyes glistening with appreciation. In Catanduanes, Governor Patrick Azanza echoed the sentiment of gratitude, acknowledging Marcos's commitment to assist those in crisis.

During his visit to Tubli Elementary School in Barangay Tubli, Caramoran, Catanduanes, the President surveyed the extensive damage to classrooms caused by Uwan and assessed the devastation to nearby homes and the seawall, reinforcing his administration's dedication to the restoration process.

Government in action

To ensure continued government intervention follows a whole-of-government approach, the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol and the Bicol Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led government agencies in providing relief and assistance to typhoon-affected residents, helping them recover as quickly as possible.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) served 598,795 families with PHP603 million worth of food and non-food items to the affected provinces. Non-food items were distributed, including sleeping kits, family kits, hygiene kits, and kitchen kits to meet essential needs for families whose homes were destroyed and livelihoods damaged. The agency provided emergency cash transfer to 102,870 beneficiaries amounting to PHP643.4 million. Cash for work was also given to 5,750 individuals, totaling PHP32 million.

DSWD Bicol is equipped with a mobile command center that includes information and communication technology to bridge communication gaps during disasters, keeping decision-makers informed. A water station was set up to provide safe and potable water to communities affected by disasters, especially in areas lacking clean water sources. This included mobile water tanker trucks and water treatment units capable of collecting, transporting, and distributing large volumes of potable water to evacuation centers and displaced families.

As part of their disaster response innovations, DSWD Bicol also provided hot, nutritious meals to internally displaced families during emergencies, including those in evacuation centers.

Health care and services

The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) distributed over PHP15 million in medical and logistical assistance to areas affected by typhoons Uwan and Opong. About PHP12 million worth of assistance was distributed, including medicines, collapsible water containers, jerry cans, hygiene kits, aqua tabs, disaster relief tents, face masks, cadaver bags, nutrition commodities, doxycycline medications, generator sets, water test kits, tetanus toxoid, newborn kits, and elderly care kits. A total of PHP3 million in financial aid was provided to Masbate Provincial Hospital during Marcos's visit.

Emergency employment

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) intensified efforts to provide immediate relief and employment to thousands of Bicolanos affected by weather disturbances, providing over PHP323.2 million in wages for 59,399 displaced beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program. DOLE Bicol Regional Director Imelda Gatinao said the efforts aim to help rebuild communities and ensure that all pending wages and financial benefits due to beneficiaries are released without delay.

In addition to short-term employment, TUPAD in Bicol integrates skills and social development components through various convergence programs with other government agencies.

Housing repair

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) provided PHP38 million in interventions through construction materials and financial aid to residents affected by disasters in Bicol. DHSUD-5 Director Maria Amoroso said the assistance is intended for the purchase of housing materials and essential supplies to support households impacted by disasters. She noted that more than 1,265 beneficiaries received financial aid, with PHP10,000 allocated for households with partially damaged houses and PHP30,000 for those with totally damaged houses.

Brighter Christmas

As vowed by Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Guarin, the celebration of Christmas in various affected provinces would be brighter and happier, as most areas have now reported 100 percent power restoration. Through Task Force Kapatid, the restoration, connection, and installation of the power supply have been made faster.