Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. distributes cash assistance to families affected by flash floods in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of Mindanao Development Authority)
MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE – Families affected by flash floods in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, and in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, received food packs, non-food items, and cash assistance from the national government.
On Sunday, July 14, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally delivered the aid.
In Matanog, 286 families whose homes were completely damaged received P10,000 each, while 76 families with partially damaged houses received P5,000 each. Additionally, P10,000 was provided for burial assistance to two families.
In Balabagan, ten families with total house damage also received P10,000, and 157 families with partial damage were given P5,000. Two families received P10,000 for burial assistance due to the loss of a family member.
In addition to cash support, affected families received food packs and other essential items.
“Dito sa BARMM, whatever we can do, we have to take part. We have to augment assistance and support that are needed. The National Government and BARMM Government are in full support of your immediate recovery,” said Lagdameo, emphasizing the priority given to the needs of flood victims in the region.
The distribution event was attended by provincial and municipal personnel from the Ministry of Social Services and Development, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Maguindanao del Norte Lone District Representative Sittie Shahara Mastura, Matanog Mayor Zohria Basil-Guro, and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.
Secretary Magno reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ongoing support, promising to collaborate closely with the DSWD, BARMM Government, and other relevant agencies to tackle the current challenges in Mindanao.
“Mahal po ng Presidente ang Mindanao, ang Maguindanao del Norte, at ang Matanog kaya nandito kami,” Magno stressed.
The officials also held discussions regarding additional assistance for the victims, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO with reports from MinDa)
