Gov’t aid for Opong-hit Bicol arrives

Various national and local government agencies have started 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 Gov. Richard Kho thanked 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.

"We need food, as being an island province makes it difficult to obtain supplies. We require food packs for those affected. Shelter is one of our greatest challenges; many people need a place to stay. We did not anticipate this level of damage to our province, so we urgently need shelter," he said.