P760-M aid to be released to typhoon-hit LGUs

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of ₱760 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) severely affected by Typhoon Tino (international name *Kalmaegi*), Malacañang announced Thursday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the funds, sourced from the Office of the President, aim to help LGUs speed up recovery efforts and provide immediate relief to families devastated by the storm.

Under the distribution plan, Cebu, Capiz, Surigao del Norte, Iloilo, Bohol, and Negros Occidental will each receive ₱50 million. Cebu, the hardest-hit province, accounted for 71 of the 114 confirmed fatalities and suffered massive flooding across several towns and cities.

Eastern Samar, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, Antique, and Aklan will each receive ₱40 million; Leyte and Masbate, ₱30 million each; and Guimaras, Agusan del Norte, and Dinagat Islands, ₱20 million each.

Biliran, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Misamis Oriental, Negros Oriental, and Palawan will each get ₱10 million, while Albay, Romblon, Batangas, Northern Samar, Siquijor, Quezon Province, Samar, Agusan del Sur, Laguna, Zamboanga City, Manila, Camiguin, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Iligan City will each receive ₱5 million.

The President earlier declared a state of national calamity following Tino’s devastation. Marcos said the declaration, based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), would allow faster access to calamity funds, enforce price controls on essential goods, and streamline relief and procurement processes.

Castro said the President’s directive underscores his commitment to ensuring that aid reaches even the most remote areas.

“Binibigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. na hindi bibitiw at hindi iiwanan ng pamahalaan ang Cebu hangga’t lahat ay nakabangon,” she said.