Aid pours into Catanduanes after Pepito’s wrath

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

As the provincial government of Catanduanes pleads for assistance in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-Yi), help has surged from international organizations, the national government, and various civic groups. People from all walks of life have come together in the spirit of bayanihan to aid Catandunganons in recovering and rebuilding.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Catanduanes, known as the "Land of the Howling Winds," on Tuesday to personally inspect the devastation caused by Pepito, which battered the province from November 16 to the early hours of November 17, 2024. During his visit, the President conducted an aerial inspection alongside Governor Joseph "Boboy" Cua, focusing on the hardest-hit municipalities: Gigmoto, Panganiban, Pandan, Bagamanoc, Viga, and Caramoran.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in Catanduanes reported that 7,869 houses were flattened by the typhoon. Despite this destruction, the province achieved a zero-casualty record, highlighting the effectiveness of preemptive measures.

President Marcos handed over ₱50 million in aid for rehabilitation and relief efforts and distributed food packs to 1,500 residents in Virac. Additionally, 500 households with damaged homes received ₱5,000 each in financial assistance.

Governor Cua expressed his gratitude for the President's support and pledged to use the resources to rebuild critical infrastructure. "President Marcos assured us of assistance in rebuilding houses, hospitals, and other government buildings," Cua said.

Regional Support and Collaboration

Neighboring provinces swiftly responded to Catanduanes’ plight. Acting Albay Governor Baby Glenda Ong-Bongao allocated ₱1 million in financial aid and dispatched a humanitarian team comprising engineers, medics, water sanitation experts, and psychologists. Similarly, Sorsogon Governor Edwin "Boboy" Hamor sent relief goods, construction materials, and heavy equipment to assist in clearing operations.

Universities and civic organizations in Bicol, including the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Divine Word College, Bicol University, and the Legazpi City Host Lions Club, sent food, water, and hygiene supplies for affected residents.

The Scale of the Disaster

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) reported that Pepito affected 481,980 families (1,848,519 individuals) across six provinces in the Bicol Region. Of these, 68,295 families (245,760 individuals) are currently in 1,224 temporary shelters, with 47,765 families (172,059 individuals) housed inside evacuation centers and 20,530 families (73,701 individuals) staying with relatives or in private homes.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol Region reported similar figures, emphasizing the massive scale of the disaster.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alongside Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe and Regional Director Norman Laurio, visited Catanduanes to oversee relief operations and discuss long-term recovery plans. Their assessment included discussions about establishing a DSWD resource center in the Bicol Region, a proposal supported by the United Nations World Food Program (UN-WFP).

DSWD Bicol Director Norman Laurio highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The Bicol Region’s vulnerability to natural hazards necessitates a robust logistics hub. Establishing a resource center will strengthen the DSWD’s capacity to respond efficiently to disasters, not just in Bicol but also in neighboring regions like CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Eastern Visayas.”

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring swift aid delivery to vulnerable communities in times of need.

As recovery efforts continue, the spirit of solidarity among local and national agencies, civic groups, and international organizations serves as a beacon of hope for the people of Catanduanes.