LEGAZPI CITY – Natividad Amante, 80, lived in a shanty house together with her husband in Barangay Batuhan, Masbate City, while their children work in Manila.
Last September 26, severe tropical storm ‘Opong’ ravaged residential areas, and the old couple eventually lost their home. During the onslaught of the raging storm, Natividad and her husband had to sleep outdoors despite the cold weather.
The roof of their neighbor’s house was blown away by the strong wind onto their humble home, creating a big hole in their ceiling.
Natividad’s friend, 72-year-old Merly Nepomuceno of the said barangay, shared the same sentiments. Her home was washed out by the storm, and help seemed elusive.
With their resources swept away, finding daily meals has become a struggle. “We have faced so much hardship. We don’t have rice to prepare. Life is very difficult for us.”
Now, she lives in her child’s small house to get through the day.
On Wednesday, October 1, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Masbate City to distribute government services for the affected families and assess the situation in the province.
In his message, Marcos said that he ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to download P100M of local government support fund (LGSF) to the provincial government in support of the province’s recovery.
The President turned over P3M from the Department of Health (DOH) for Masbate Provincial Hospital’s rehabilitation. Aside from cash assistance, Marcos provided a generator set.
Under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), P29M will be distributed to affected individuals.
Meanwhile, P10,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was provided for the residents.
Marcos said that 806 schools were damaged and it would take a month to recover. Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad said that face-to-face classes would resume next week for grades 1, 2 and 3. A blended learning approach would be implemented for grades 4, 5, 6 and high school.
Some schools are still being used as evacuation centers. To ensure continuity of education, makeshift classrooms will be constructed.
As restoring power remains a challenge in the province, Marcos reassured residents that restoring electricity and telecommunication services is their primary focus.
