Dinagat islands: Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Wednesday led the delivery of relief assistance and inspected the damaged infrastructure in the municipalities of Tubajon and Loreto in Dinagat Islands.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman spearheaded the relief and recovery operations in the towns severely affected by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure swift recovery in disaster-stricken areas. She facilitated the distribution of approximately 2,600 family food packs and 250 tents from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as well as 397 non-food family packs provided by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

In addition to relief distribution, Pangandaman handed over five Starlink internet units from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to help re-establish reliable internet connectivity for the affected residents. She was accompanied by representatives from DSWD, DICT, OCD, and local officials led by Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.

Budget Undersecretaries Wilford Will Wong and Goddes Hope Libiran were also present during the distribution of aid to the calamity victims. Pangandaman conducted an assessment of the extent of infrastructure damage across Dinagat Islands, which have been declared under a state of calamity due to the destruction caused by Typhoon Tino.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by Demerey, reported that around 680 houses in Tubajon were destroyed. Significant damage was also recorded in Basilisa, Libjo, and San Jose. Among the major infrastructural damages were the impassable Cambinliw Bridge in Loreto and about 40 percent damage to the power plant on Gibusong Island.

The provincial agriculture office reported substantial agricultural losses, with 90 banana plantations in Loreto damaged, 10 percent of coconut farms affected, and approximately two hectares of cassava destroyed.