Virac, Catanduanes – The visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to the province of Catanduanes on November 19, 2024, served as a major morale booster for the residents, just days after the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Pepito.
Three days following the typhoon’s fierce impact, the President conducted an aerial survey of the island province, accompanied by Governor Joseph Cua and other key government officials, using a helicopter to assess the extent of the damage firsthand.
The President was visibly moved by the devastation he witnessed and shared his observations with residents during his visit to the Virac Sports Complex. He also took time to interact with hundreds of residents gathered at the venue, bringing hope and solidarity to the people of Catanduanes. President Marcos led the ceremonial distribution of 1,000 family food packs and witnessed the distribution of PHP 5,000 in cash aid to 500 families through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In his address at the Virac Sports Center, President Marcos expressed his deep empathy for the people of Catanduanes, emphasizing his efforts to visit the island which bore the brunt of the typhoon. He acknowledged the pain and suffering experienced by the island’s residents due to the disaster.
The President reassured the people of Catanduanes that the national government would provide ongoing support to meet their immediate needs, including shelter materials, livelihood assistance, and other interventions aimed at helping the province recover.
In a meeting with local officials, the President discussed solutions to the problems raised by the local leaders, particularly focusing on livelihood recovery and other measures to support the province’s rehabilitation efforts.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also made a significant contribution to the province’s recovery efforts, pledging an additional 45,000 family food packs to augment the initial 20,000 food packs promised by the regional office. Secretary Gatchalian, the first official to visit the province, arrived on November 18, 2024, two days after the typhoon struck, to assess the situation and provide immediate assistance. His commitment to increase aid further underscores the government’s unwavering support for the people of Catanduanes in their time of need.
Governor Joseph Cua, in turn, expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Marcos and Secretary Gatchalian for the national government’s swift and generous assistance. “Your visit is a testament to your commitment to help us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much. Welcome to Catanduanes,” Governor Cua said.
Accompanying the President during his visit were members of his Cabinet, including officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), an undersecretary from the Office of Civil Defense, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez. (Ferdz M. Brizo)
