Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate mobilization of concerned government agencies and resources to ensure the swift recovery of families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Penha). Marcos gave the directive when he convened select Cabinet members and governors from calamity-hit areas at Malaca±an Palace in Manila on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the meeting, Marcos directed concerned national and local government offices to facilitate the 'faster and more orderly relief and recovery efforts,' the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a Facebook post on Thursday. The PCO highlighted the President's directive to simplify processes and ensure immediate aid delivery to affected families.

Marcos also emphasized the importance of early release of funds for pre-disaster preparedness, fast-tracking the processes for immediate aid distribution, and swifter distribution of seeds to farmers. The PCO noted discussions on preparing financial assistance and strengthening river clearing operations to mitigate flooding risks.

The government has disbursed over PHP9.2 million for assistance distribution to around 1,297 affected families, according to a situation report released by the National Disaster Reduction and Management Council (NDRRM) on Wednesday. A total of 182,352 families or 645,612 persons from 1,285 villages were displaced during Basyang's onslaught. The storm, which made landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur on February 5, claimed 12 lives and injured 36 others. Approximately 170 houses were totally damaged, while 1,203 others were partially damaged.