President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday visited the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Bula, Camarines Sur, to personally check on their condition and provide cash assistance to the needy.

The President also met with the residents temporarily staying in evacuation centers.

“Pinuntahan ko lang [po kayo] para makita ko na maayos naman ang pag-alaga sa inyo,” the President said.

Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), President Marcos also extended cash assistance to the victims – especially  those who can now return to their homes – to help them start anew.

The President said additional food packs were provided to those who have been permitted to go back to their homes.

“Kaya’t mabigat itong nangyari sa inyo at napakalaki ng tubig na dumaan. Ang mahirap kasi ay ‘yung baha –- nanggaling kami sa Bula, hindi gumagalaw talaga ‘yung tubig eh. Hindi talaga gumagalaw ang tubig kaya hahanapan natin ng paraan ‘yan,” the President said.

“Ngunit para sa ngayon ay asahan ninyo basta’t nandito ang pamahalaan tuloy-tuloy ang aming pagtulong sa inyo. Sabihan niyo lang. Nandito si Mayor, nandito si  (DSWD) Secretary Rex (Gatchalian), nandito ‘yung mga ibang Cabinet secretary para marinig mula sa inyo kung ano ‘yung mga pangangailangan ninyo,” he added.

President Marcos reiterated that the government will continue to provide assistance until the victims have fully recovered. |PND