President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed national agencies and local governments to speed up relief efforts and agricultural recovery in areas hit by Tropical Storm Basyang, calling for simpler procedures and faster delivery of assistance.
In a meeting with governors from affected provinces and key Cabinet officials, Marcos emphasized tighter coordination to address the storm’s aftermath.
The discussion followed a memorandum of agreement signed by the Department of Education and local government units to fast-track the reconstruction of damaged classrooms.
Basyang battered parts of the Visayas and Mindanao earlier this month, unleashing floods and landslides that displaced thousands and damaged roads, schools, and homes. Farms nearing harvest—particularly rice and corn—suffered heavy losses.
The President stressed the need to release funds ahead of disasters, accelerate cash aid distribution, and ensure the prompt delivery of seeds so farmers can immediately replant.
“Direktiba ng Pangulo na pasimplehin ang proseso upang masigurong agad na makakarating ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a social media post.