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Sparking hope for Antique

With many dead, families displaced, road networks disconnected, and millions worth of properties damaged, Antique undoubtedly feels the wrath of Severe Tropical Storm "Paeng."

Paeng ravaged the province with its immense rainfall never seen in the province’s history - submerging residential areas and agricultural lands for the first time and leaving Antiqueños in great disbelief.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. addresses the Antiqueños in front of the Old Provincial Capitol, San Jose town before the start of the relief aid distribution, November 8.

With the destructive effects of the storm, the people of this province on the western coastline of Panay island need a spark of hope and all the support they can get to rise once again and carry on with their lives.

Just as they need, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., together with several of his cabinet secretaries, flew into Antique on November 8 and brought additional, much-needed relief aid.

The President expressed his delight in meeting once more the people here who welcomed him with cheers and warmth but regretted that he had to meet them at a very unfortunate time.

He assured the Antiqueños to exchange their courage and resilience with the tireless work of the government to ensure that no Filipino is left behind in pursuit of recovery and continued progress.

“Sama-sama tayong babangon muli,” the President exclaimed.

In line with his signature line, Pres. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of relief assistance to 1,200 families severely affected by the storm, which includes food packs, hygiene kits, and P5,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Among the recipients is Michelle Jimenez, a 26-year-old mother from Brgy, Maybato North, San Jose de Buenavista town.

With her husband not being able to skip work as a fisherman, Michelle was left with no other choice but to bring alongside her to the distribution venue her 6-month daughter “Mimi,” with the rest of her children left under the care of a relative.

Michelle said that she cannot miss the relief aid brought by the President as it would be of great help to her family, particularly now that their family-owned fishing boat is nowhere to be seen since the onslaught of Paeng.

Swept away by the strong winds and huge waves, she expects the worst for their only source of income.

Michelle Jimenez, 26 years old and a resident of Brgy. Maybato North, San Jose town, with her relief aid from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., November 8.

Regardless, the mother of four is beyond grateful that her family is safe and still has a home to return to.

Although struggling on her own, Michelle also yearns for the President to reach people in isolated areas as she is more than aware of her kasimanwas’ (fellowmen) plight in this time of calamity.

Michelle also expresses her appreciation to the President for taking his time to check on their situation and for his commitment towards her home province's recovery and rehabilitation.

Now more than ever, the people of Antique need renewed assurance that they are not alone, and President Marcos' visit is a guarantee to that, with his presence sparking hope for many. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique) 

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Bernard Ceasar Susbilla

Information Officer

Region 6

Electronics Engineer/Writer

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