Masbate city: Residents of Masbate province affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong last week thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for visiting and providing them food, non-food, and financial assistance during his visit on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos, along with several Cabinet secretaries, met with Masbate Governor Richard Kho and Masbate City Mayor Ara Kho to assure continued government support for the province, which sustained significant damage from “Opong” (international name Bualoi).

In an interview, Estella Abilong, 28, a local resident of Barangay Bolo, expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided. Her house was damaged by the storm, yet she remains determined to recover. Abilong also hopes for further aid, especially for damaged schools and infrastructure, emphasizing her appreciation for the President’s visit and the aid provided.

Emelia Rojero Galban, 62, was emotional as she shared her experience during the storm, which severely damaged her home. She expressed a strong desire to regain her livelihood and home, while appreciating the hope brought by the President’s presence and support.

Francisco Sancio Jr., 36, from Barangay Batuhan, plans to use the government cash aid to purchase materials for repairing his house. As an early recipient of financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5), Sancio is hopeful for continued assistance to address the extensive damage in the area.

Dolores Gomez, 71, from Barangay Malubi, also expressed her gratitude, stating she would invest the aid in rebuilding her livelihood by purchasing livestock. She expressed her thankfulness for surviving the storm and the aid received.

The province of Masbate has been declared a state of calamity following the devastation caused by the severe tropical storm on September 25.

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