President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought on Monday his Cabinet members in Laurel, Batangas for them to witness the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine to the lives and properties of Filipinos in the province.
The President’s move aims to further consolidate government efforts to help Batangas swiftly recover from the typhoon’s devastation.
“Ang [mga] miyembro ng Gabinete ay aking isinama dahil ang pagdadala ng tulong sa mga nasalanta, sa mga naging biktima ng sakuna ay hindi po kaya gawin ng iisang departamento lamang dahil marami at iba- iba ang pangangailangan,” President Marcos said.
The President made the remarks during the distribution of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families affected by the Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Laurel, Batangas where he also extended shelter assistance to storm victims.
Cabinet members present were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan and National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. were also present during the event.
“Kaya’t nandito po – halos kalahati ng Gabinete ay nandito po upang tingnan kung ano po ang mga kailangang gawin. At nakita naman po namin ang mga naging problema na dala ng Kristine dito sa inyo,” President Marcos said.
“Kaya’t kailangan po kaming lahat – mula sa akin hanggang sa ating mga opisyal ay kailangan na kailangan ay makita kung ano ba talaga ang sitwasyon ninyo, malaman sa inyo ano ‘yung pangangailangan. Kaya’t nandito po kaming lahat,” he added.
The President visited the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Laurel, Batangas where he handed over financial assistance and housing aid to the victims. | PND
