Government aid pour in for 'Opong'-hit Bicol

Various national and local government agencies began providing assistance to the Bicol Region, particularly in Masbate province, where tropical cyclone Opong made landfall twice on Friday.

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In an interview, Masbate Governor Richard Kho expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the immediate government response to their needs.

"President, thank you very much for paying attention to Masbate, especially at a time when we are in need. With the cooperation of all agencies, our road-clearing efforts are making great progress, particularly on national highways. We are working to deliver relief goods to various municipalities in Masbate, facilitated by our national agencies," he said in Filipino over the weekend.

Kho said the province needs various forms of assistance as Opong caused significant damage to buildings, communications, power and livelihood.