Manila: The government is intensifying its relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas severely impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito, also known internationally as Man-yi, according to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno. The focus remains on the hardest-hit regions, including Catanduanes, Aurora, Pangasinan, and Isabela, where significant damage has been reported.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno stated during a media interview that the OCD has initiated early recovery measures in Catanduanes, dispatching construction materials such as G.I. sheets, repair kits, and food supplies provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Similar efforts are being implemented in Isabela, Pangasinan, and other affected areas. The availability of relief items and materials is ensured by prepositioning resources, including manpower and transportation assets, in collaboration with local government units.
The death toll from Pepito has risen to nine, as confir
med by Nepomuceno. Seven fatalities were reported in Nueva Vizcaya, while two occurred in Ifugao. This update clarifies earlier confusion over the causes of the deaths, which were mistakenly attributed to other tropical cyclones. Nepomuceno emphasized that mandated evacuations by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, supported by the Philippine National Police and local authorities, helped prevent further casualties.
Catanduanes suffered significant damage with the destruction of 4,000 houses, 500 of which were completely destroyed, as Pepito struck with a Signal No. 5 warning, bringing gusts of 305-350 kilometers per hour. The OCD is actively sending over 3,000 roofing sheets and repair kits to assist the affected population.
The agricultural sector has also been severely affected, with damage from recent typhoons surpassing PHP7 billion, PHP266 million of which is attributed to Pepito. Infrastructure damages have reached PHP10.4 billion, with Pepito causing an additional PHP1.5 billion in d
amages, particularly impacting roads and bridges. Currently, 44 bridges remain impassable in Cagayan, Central Luzon, and the Bicol region.
Despite budgetary constraints due to the series of typhoons, Nepomuceno assured that efforts are being coordinated efficiently. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has committed to securing additional funds to support recovery and rehabilitation initiatives.
