If there’s one thing that’s been tested by the series of typhoons that battered Filipinos, it’s their Spirit of Bayanihan.

Such was the remark of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Pangasinan on Friday as he expressed his gratitude to those who demonstrated exemplary service amid the calamities.

The President went to Pangasinan to distribute aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the typhoons. The storms destroyed houses and other properties. It also ruined livelihoods and claimed several lives.

“Ngunit kasabay nito, nasaksihan din natin ang diwa ng ating bayanihan. Sa bawat puso na nagmamalasakit at sa bawat kamay na tumutulong, malinaw ang ating mensahe: Sa harap ng unos, hindi tayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said.

The President led the distribution of PhP50 million in financial assistance. Five thousand farmers, fisherfolk and their families received PhP10,000 each from the President.

At the same time, the President thanked the first responders who prioritized the safety and welfare of their countrymen in need during the calamities.

“Sa puntong ito, nais kong pasalamatan ang ating mga ahensya, lokal na pamahalaan, organisasyon, at indibidwal na patuloy na ibinibigay ang kanilang makakaya upang mabilis na maihatid ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan,” he said.

“Higit sa lahat, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga first responders na hindi alintana ang panganib, masiguro lamang ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” the Chief Executive added.

President Marcos reiterated his directive to all concerned government agencies to ensure the swift recovery of typhoon-hit communities. |PND