Gov’t aids bring hope as province rebuilds from ‘Opong’ onslaught

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Three weeks after Severe Tropical Storm Opong battered Masbate on its second landfall, the spirit of bayanihan remains alive as national and local government teams work hand in hand to bring aid and hope amid the devastation.

Earlier this week, Governor Ricardo T. Kho reported that around 600,000 individuals, representing 152,840 families, were affected by Opong.

A total of 80,251 houses were partially damaged, while 20,556 were completely destroyed.

The provincial government also confirmed 15 injuries and 21 lives lost due to the typhoon.

Communication

“Internet connectivity in our province is gradually returning, and it is expected to improve further in the coming days. Efforts are ongoing to restore full communication services to all affected areas,” Kho said.

Meanwhile, all national highways in Masbate are now passable, as clearing operations continue across the province.

Debris removal efforts have greatly improved road access and mobility, allowing residents and response teams to move more easily and deliver much-needed assistance to affected communities.

On the other hand, sacks of rice have been distributed to various municipalities in the province as part of the ongoing relief efforts. Additionally, food packs are being provided to affected families to help address their immediate needs.

Power, water supply restoration

The Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO) reported that electricity has now been fully restored in 12 barangays — a welcome sign of recovery for many families. Linemen from different electric cooperatives across and beyond the Bicol region are joining forces to bring back power to the remaining communities as quickly as possible.

An emergency backup generator has been deployed to the Masbate-Mobo Water District, enabling the resumption of water supply operations. Efforts are ongoing to ensure continuous access to clean and safe water for all residents.

Government Efforts

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda announced on Monday that internet and mobile connectivity in Masbate is almost fully restored. According to the DICT, Globe and DITO services are now 100 percent operational, while Smart has restored about 77 percent of its network coverage.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally led the ongoing distribution of family food packs on Wednesday. As of October 6, a total of 24,500 food packs have reached families in the towns of Aroroy, Baleno, Batuan, Cataingan, Cawayan, Dimasalang, Mandaon, Milagros, Mobo, Palanas, Placer, San Fernando, San Jacinto, and Uson.

In addition, 2,120 non-food items (NFIs) were distributed to the local governments of Batuan, Baleno, Aroroy, Cawayan, Pio V. Corpuz, and Balud. These include 40 water filtration kits and 212 units each of hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, malong, mosquito nets, and a total of 1,020 jerry cans.

Early on, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on-ground recovery efforts in Masbate, ensuring that help directly reached affected communities. He oversaw the distribution of ₱34.86 million in livelihood and TUPAD assistance under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and an additional ₱3 million for the repair of the Masbate Provincial Hospital — a step toward restoring vital services for the people.

Over ₱264.96 million in financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already reached Masbate, providing relief to affected families. Alongside this, teams from the Department of Health (DOH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Energy (DOE) continue to work together to restore essential services—bringing back healthcare, power, and communication across the province.

Bangon Masbate

“Mga kapwa ko Masbateño, alam ko naging mahirap ang mga nagdaang araw para sa ating lahat. Pero nandito ang inyong gobyerno para umalalay at tumulong sa ating muling pagbangon,” the local chief executive stressed.

Gov. Kho thanked President Marcos for the attention and support that he and his secretaries provided for the province.

“Taos puso akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno, non-government organizations, private individuals, companies at mga grupo sa inyong mga naitulong sa amin.”

President Marcos called on Filipinos to have faith in their government, assuring them that his administration stands on a foundation of trust, reliability, and commitment to the people’s welfare.

“Huwag po kayong magdalawang isip. Kung mayroon kayong pangangailangan, sabihin po ninyo sinuman sa mga ahensya… ‘Pag may pangangailangan po kayo, kung maibibigay namin, gagawin namin, at ibibigay po namin sa inyo. Kaya kaunting tiyaga na lang, kaunting dasal ay makakabalik din po tayo, at nandito po kami sa likod ninyo.” (PIA5)