Masbate City, Philippines – Families in Brgy. Nursery, Masbate City, welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today, October 1, 2025, as he personally visited the communities hardest hit by Typhoon Opong.

His presence, alongside top officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), served as a direct assurance that the national government stands with the people of Masbate in their journey to recovery.

The President was joined by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, and Cabinet Secretaries and other key national government officials, who collectively expressed the government’s solidarity with Masbateños.

“Help is here. Hindi po kayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said, emphasizing that the government’s relief operations are not only immediate but will continue for as long as needed.

A total of 3,000 affected families will each receive PHP 10,000 in cash assistance under DSWD’s  Crisis Intervention Section (CIS), amounting to over PHP 25 million in financial aid.

In addition, the DSWD distributed 1,000 Family Food Packs (FFPs), 1,000 Hygiene Kits, 150 malongs, and 70 rolls of laminated sacks.

These interventions aim to ensure that families have food on their tables, clean water to drink, and basic supplies as they rebuild their lives.

“Meron po tayo food packs from DSWD. Day 1 andito na siya, at nakabigay ng food packs. Tuloy tuloy po yan, marami po tayong naka reserba.” Said PBBM applauding the work of Sec. Rex and DSWD.

Beyond food and cash aid, DSWD has positioned its mobile command center, mobile kitchen, and mobile water filtration system in Brgy. Nursery. These facilities provide cooked meals, clean drinking water, and coordination hubs to speed up the delivery of government services.

Abner L. Lerit, 55 years old, expressed his gratitude to the quick and effective assitance from the government: “Maraming salamat sa DSWD magagamit po namin ito pambili ng pagkain ang kalahati reserba pampaayos ng bahay. Salamat Pres. Marcos at DSWD sa tulong.”

Regional Director Laurio also assured the public that the DSWD Bicol has strategically prepositioned relief goods in nearby warehouses to immediately respond to any additional needs.

“Ang aming mga tauhan, kasama ang LGU at iba pang ahensya, ay patuloy na umiikot para matiyak na ang tulong ay nakakarating sa bawat barangay na naapektuhan,” Laurio said.

President Marcos reminded the people of Masbate that the national government’s interventions are not limited to today’s relief operations.

Wag po kayo mag alala, patuloy ang suporta ng pamahalaan hangga’t nangangailangan kayo para kahit matagalan tayo ng unti, naka support na kami. Meron tayong cash assistance. Wag kayong mag aalala, hindi kayo basta’t maiiwanan na lang.” he said, drawing applause and gratitude from residents.

The visit underscores the administration’s guidance that every Filipino family deserves care and support in times of crisis.