Government's disaster response: Delivering hope, rebuilding lives

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. September left our nation reeling with Typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong. On the last day of the month, disaster struck as a magnitude 6.9 quake shook Cebu and nearby provinces.

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According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Oct. 3, this series of weather disturbances affected more than 1.209 million families and almost 4.6 million persons, leaving 107 areas in a state of calamity, with an estimated damage to infrastructure at more than P1.84 billion, and to agriculture at more than P2.31 billion. Meanwhile, as of Oct. 5, the earthquake affected 128,464 families, or 455,631 persons, leaving 71 dead and 559 injured. Damaged houses numbered 18,154, while damaged infrastructure reached 713. The devastation was widespread, it left 53 cities and municipalities under a State of Calamity.

On behalf of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), I would like to extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the families who lost loved ones. And, to all who are enduring these tragedies, we pray for your strength. Please know that we, in the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM), are here for you. We have your back. We will do everything we can to help you during this very difficult time.

In fact, the President was in Masbate and Bogo City last week to assess the situation and give assistance. He directed all government agencies to implement a whole-of-government approach to speed up aid and recovery efforts for the victims of these recent calamities. I agree with the President that during these critical moments, government aid must never be delayed.