DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday in the ceremonial distribution of government assistance to farmers and fisherfolks severely impacted by Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’ in Oriental Mindoro held in the municipality of Pinamalayan, on Thursday, November 14.

The ceremonial distribution is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide relief to communities affected by the typhoon through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Families (PAFFF) program. A total of 4,546 beneficiaries from various municipalities across the province received Php 10,000 each.

Among the recipients were farmers and fisherfolks from the city of Calapan and municipalities of Baco, Naujan, Pola, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Socorro, Victoria, Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Mansalay, Pinamalayan, and Roxas.

SILG Remulla was accompanied by DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director Karl Caesar Rimando, CESO III, Assistant Regional Director Rey Maranan, CESO IV, DILG Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Ma. Victoria Del Rosario, CSEE, Regional Director PBGEN Roger Quesada (PNP), Regional Director FSSUPT Edwin Vargas (BFP) and Regional Director JSSUPT Clarence Mayangao (BJMP).

In his message to the beneficiaries, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of mutual support during times of crisis.

“Mga kababayan, ang pamamahagi ng tulong na ito ay tanda ng ating panata sa isa’t isa, na kahit anong mangyari ay tayo ay magtutulungan, at ang pagbangon sa mga ganitong sakuna ay nakasalalay sa bawat isa sa atin,” the President said, highlighting that overcoming challenges requires collective effort and unity.

Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. also directed the DENR and the DILG to encourage LGUs to use geohazard maps as a tool to identify landslide and flood-prone areas. This initiative aims to improve disaster preparedness and prevent future loss of life and property in vulnerable regions.