Gov't support: A pillar for storm-stricken Bicolanos

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Region 5 (Bicol) is no stranger to natural calamities.

Home to two active volcanoes, Mount Mayon and Mount Bulusan, and situated along the typhoon belt as it lies along the eastern coast of the Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean, the last quarter of 2024 was especially challenging for Bicolanos as they grappled with the aftermath of natural disasters.

Fortunately, the Marcos administration provided significant support during calamitous times.

In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) and Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-Yi), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the provinces of Camarines Sur and Naga City on Oct. 26, Albay on Nov. 6, and Catanduanes on Nov. 19.

"Your arrival is proof of your commitment to helping us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you," Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua said then.

Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion also praised the President for his quick response when Kristine wreaked havoc in October.

"Because of his arrival, the help provided by the concerned agencies has been accelerated," Legacion said in Filipino.

The year 2024 was also a showcase of efficient government response.

With six typhoons battering the region almost weekly in October and November, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council placed all disaster response offices on high alert to ensure timely actions were taken before, during, and after these weather disturbances.

Response clusters were activated, led by various national government agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Information and Communications Technology, Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, which coordinated search, rescue, and retrieval operations as necessary.

DSWD-5 led disaster preparedness and response initiatives to ensure no family was left behind in line with President Marcos’ vision of “Lahat ay may Ayuda, Walang Magugutom (Help for everyone, no one will be left hungry).”

The agency prepositioned relief goods in strategic locations across Bicol's six provinces, enabling rapid aid distribution during disasters.

Coordination

DSWD established warehouses in remote island provinces to ensure quick mobilization of help where access was challenging. Its robust monitoring system, which includes provincial and municipal social welfare offices, ensured consistent preparedness.

A mobile command center was set up to enhance communication during emergencies.

During disasters, DSWD teams provided hot meals to stranded travelers and conducted back-to-back relief operations, offering cash assistance through programs like Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Psychosocial support was made available for traumatized families.

After the initial response, DSWD continued to offer cash assistance for recovery and regularly monitored evacuation centers to ensure they were properly equipped. The Social Marketing Unit kept the public informed about relief efforts and successes.

Through coordinated efforts and dedicated employees, DSWD remained a vital lifeline for the region’s vulnerable populations, ensuring that communities could rebuild and strengthen together even in the face of disasters.

The Department of Labor and Employment-5 (DOLE-5) provided nearly PHP500 million in wages to workers affected by Kristine and Pepito through emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced Workers program.

This funding benefited more than 144,000 affected and displaced workers across the six provinces in the region.

"I am deeply thankful to DOLE for this opportunity. Even though we are already elderly, they still gave us work. This is a huge help for my family," Evelyn Bisnar, 58, a resident of Maslog, Legazpi City, said in the vernacular.

Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development provided cash assistance and essential home materials to families affected in Albay and Catanduanes.

Over PHP6 million in cash was distributed to more than 350 typhoon-affected families.

In addition, PHP15 million worth of materials were sent to Catanduanes, while PHP14 million worth was delivered to Naga City and Camarines Sur. Over PHP22 million in assistance was also delivered to Camarines Sur and Naga City.

A series of medical missions and logistical aid distributions were conducted by the DOH following the series of weather disturbances across various towns in the affected provinces.

Health personnel provided essential logistical aid, including medicines, jerry cans, hygiene kits, collapsible water containers, breastfeeding kits, aqua tabs, chlorine granules, disaster relief tents, cot beds, body bags, water tanks, and other supplies.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, Tactical Operations Group-5, Philippine Air Force, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection and all rescuers, worked together for affected communities.

The successful implementation of safety measures and community cooperation in Catanduanes were crucial in achieving zero casualties during Super Typhoon Pepito.

Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas

To keep the public informed about the a ccomplishments, initiatives, programs, and plans of various government agencies under the Marcos administration, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) launched the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, a communication initiative in line with the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to foster transparency and public engagement.

It became an avenue for PRO-5 to report seized illegal drugs worth PHP224 million and the arrest 2,609 suspects during drug operations over the past two years.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority reported that a total of 27,358 individuals in the region were able to graduate from technical-vocational education and training courses under the Marcos administration.

On the other hand, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced that it had completed over 1,700 infrastructure projects since President Marcos took office.

The Department of Agrarian Reform-5 (DAR-5) said that since the start of the Marcos administration in 2022, at least 7,210 certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) and electronic titles (e-titles) have been distributed to 6,969 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-5 reported that a total of 5.6 million seedlings of various species were planted in forest areas as part of the Enhanced National Greening Program.

The Department of Justice, through the Regional Prosecution Office, announced that trafficking in persons cases were resolved 100 percent.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-5 said 762 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas have benefited from the PHP3.4-billion fund allocated for the Support to Barangay Development Program.

Additionally, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) disbursed PHP22 million in calamity loans to its active members in the region.

Bicol's pride

Some key positions in the Marcos administration are being held by Bicolanos.

PCO Secretary Cesar Chavez is from Camarines Sur, while the chairpersons of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Ways and Means, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, respectively, hail from Albay.

Senate President Francis Escudero is from Sorsogon province.

Unity

Perhaps the most heartening display of unity in 2024 was that of President Marcos' meeting with former vice president Leni Robredo in Sorsogon province when he led the inauguration of the Sorsogon Sports Arena on Oct. 17.

The brief meeting took place with her political ally, former senator and 2025 candidate Bam Aquino, in the venue’s holding area.

As 2024 comes to a close, one fact stood out: President Marcos is an Ilokano but his heart also beats for Bicolanos. (PNA)