Masbate city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated PHP3 million to the provincial government of Masbate to facilitate repairs at the Masbate Provincial Hospital, severely damaged by Tropical Storm Opong.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President handed over the PHP3-million check from the Department of Health (DOH) during his visit to the hospital. During the visit, Marcos evaluated the hospital’s critical facilities, including the Emergency Room Complex and the Internal Medicine ward. To address connectivity issues, he also donated two Starlink units and supplied emergency generator sets to ensure a reliable power supply for patient safety.
The Masbate Provincial Hospital currently accommodates 339 patients, supported by 364 personnel, as per data from the Presidential Communications Office. Marcos also presided over a situation briefing on the aftermath of Opong at the Masbate Comprehensive National High School.
In addition to the hospital support, the President provided assistance to approximately 600 families at the Nursery Elementary School evacuation center. The assistance included PHP10,000 in cash aid through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
The President emphasized the commitment to addressing the needs of displaced families, with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian already having delivered family food packs. The DSWD also provided hygiene kits and nutritious meals via a mobile kitchen to ensure displaced families receive healthy nourishment.
President Marcos highlighted the importance of cash assistance due to varying family needs. The DSWD had earlier deployed its mobile water station to ensure an uninterrupted supply of potable water. Marcos assured continued support from the DSWD and other government agencies for as long as required.
Masbate has been declared under a state of calamity due to Opong’s impact, affecting over 16,302 families or 57,113 individuals. Essential services were disrupted following the storm’s onslaught in the province.
