GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--Survivors of the recent flooding were thankful to the government for extending aid to them.

"Nalipay kong dako sa hinabang na akoang nadawatan kay walang-wala gyud ko ug nagpasalamat ko (I am very happy and thankful with the help I have received because I have nothing)," said Erminia Bernaldes during the distribution of P5,000 in cash assistance and food packs, January 11.

Bernaldes was also happy to personally get relief assistance from President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who visited the city to check on the situation and assess the appropriate interventions needed. 

Leah Beltran, whose house was also flooded, conveyed her joy at receiving the cash aid directly from the president.

"Dako kaayo ang akong pasalamat nga nianhi gyud si President Bongbong Marcos ug personal nga nagtunol og financial assistance ug food packs sa amoa nga biktima sa baha (I am very grateful that President Bongbong Marcos came and personally handed over financial assistance and food packs to us, flood victims)," she said.

Bernaldes and Beltran were among the 1,500 beneficiaries that were given relief boxes and P5,000 in cash during the president's visit.

According to the local government of Gingoog, more than 57,000 individuals, or 18,452 families, in 45 barangays of the city were affected by the flooding caused by the shear line.

Meanwhile, Marcos assured the affected residents of Gingoog City that they would receive sufficient assistance from the government.

"Kaya’t tinitiyak namin na lahat kayo na hindi pa makauwi sa inyong mga tahanan at nandito pa sa mga evacuation center ay nasusuportahan, naaalagaan, mayroon kayong kinakain, mayroon kayong tinutulugan. Patuloy ang aming ginagawa at titiyakin namin na habang nandito pa kayo, we will make sure na lahat ng pangangailangan ninyo ay nakukuha ninyo," he said.

(So we make sure that all of you who have not been able to return to your homes and are still here in the evacuation centers are supported, taken care of, have something to eat, and have somewhere to sleep. We will continue to work, and we will make sure that while you are here, you get all your needs met). (APB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)