Batangas: A total of 4,000 farmers and fisherfolk impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Batangas province on October 24 received financial aid on Monday, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos himself.

According to Philippines News Agency, beneficiaries from the most affected towns of Talisay, Laurel, and Agoncillo each received PHP10,000 in cash under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). This distribution was supervised by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

In his speech, President Marcos acknowledged the challenges faced by the victims, expressing hope that the financial support would help them start anew. He reassured the community that the government remains committed to aiding recovery efforts in the wake of the storm’s devastation.

Additionally, the President announced that PHP10 million was allocated from the Office of the President to each of the local government units in Talisay, Agoncillo, Lemery, Cuenca, Balete, and Laurel. He emphasized th
e importance of disaster management, directing government agencies to strengthen their strategies to prevent future loss of life.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, with the DSWD as vice chair for Disaster Response, was tasked with reviewing disaster response strategies to ensure immediate assistance. President Marcos stated that the goal is to prevent the recurrence of fatalities due to calamities.

The DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Management, Information, and Communication report indicated that Kristine affected 241,516 families or 1,024,780 individuals. Alongside President Marcos, several Cabinet officials, including Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and others, were present to support the aid distribution efforts.