MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Thursday directed the concerned government agencies to conduct a thorough evaluation of the Mayon evacuees’ conditions so they can identify areas that need additional non-cash assistance.

In a media interview after attending the International Trade Forum organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Taguig City, Marcos assured there are available and adequate funds for relief efforts.

He also acknowledged that monetary assistance is not the sole solution to the challenges faced by affected families.

"Whatever is needed, we will have to provide. Marami naman tumutulong, marami namang ahensya. All agencies are already engaged in the rehabilitation effort, in the support for the evacuees,” the chief executive added. 

“Alam ko naman may budget tayo diyan. Pero ang sinasabi ko, ang instruction ko sa kanila, pag-aralan ninyo nang mabuti.  Hindi ‘yung basta bigay kayo nang bigay ng pera. Kailangan tingnan ninyo ano bang problema para maayos natin kung ano ‘yung problema nila," the President noted.

The President underscored the necessity of addressing other critical aspects that are difficult to quantify but are equally essential, including the education and mental health of children affected by possible hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano. 

"If it takes cash, then that’s good. Well and good. But sometimes, it’s not cash. Matagal naming pinag-usapan anong gagawin natin doon sa mga bata na hindi nakakapag-aral, na walang ginagawa. These are other issues that are basically not quantifiable but they are important,” Marcos said. 

“The issues of mental health of those children, even the parents. Kailangan natin pag-isipan ‘yan kasi mahirap talaga ‘yung pinagdadaanan nila. So, we have to give all the support that we can,” he added.

The President recently ordered national agencies to cover up to 90 days of relief assistance to Mayon evacuees to unburden the load of local government agencies in disaster response.

As of June 14, the Office of the Civil Defense has reported a total of Php13.5 million worth of assistance has been distributed to residents of communities affected by the restive volcano. (PND)