President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday distributed P60 million in assistance to six municipalities in Batangas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In his speech, President Marcos mourned over the tragedy and hoped the government aid would help communities recover from the calamities.

“Mula sa Tanggapan ng Pangulo, magkakaloob tayo ng PhP60 milyong piso na tulong na ipapamahagi ng DSWD para sa mga munisipalidad ng Batangas, kasama na rito ng Talisay, na lubhang naapektuhan ng Bagyong Kristine,” President Marcos said.

“Makakatanggap po ng tig-sampung libong piso ang mga piling magsasaka at mangingisda na labis na tinamaan ng bagyong ito,” he added.

Each of the six municipalities — Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete – will receive P10 million.

The President also ordered various government agencies to intensify disaster preparedness efforts to mitigate the impact of typhoons, and other natural disasters.

The President earlier attended the National Mourning Mass for Kristine’s victims in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay, Batangas.

Batangas reportedly had the highest number of fatalities at 61, most of whom perished due to landslides and drowning. | PND