MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended on Wednesday PhP265 million worth of financial assistance to Davao Region intended for the residents who were affected by the shear line and low-pressure area.

The financial assistance is on top of the emergency fund transfer provided by the government to the affected families in the region.

“I released the PhP265 million to make sure that the response is immediate and maramdaman agad ng tao na mayroon silang tulong, maramdaman nilang – mayroon silang gagamitin sa pangangailangan nila,” President Marcos said.

The President led the situation briefing in Davao City on Wednesday afternoon where he was apprised of the situation in the Davao Region. During the briefing, Marcos lauded the local officials for their quick response.

The provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro received PhP30 million each while the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur received PhP25 million each.

The cities of Butuan and Davao and the province of Davao Occidental received PhP20 million while the province of Agusan del Norte received PhP15 million, and the provinces of Cotabato and Bukidnon received PhP10 million each.

President Marcos said his office opted to release additional funds for the calamity victims for their immediate needs other than the relief assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The chief executive noted the efforts of the local chief executives of the affected areas who were able to provide the necessary food assistance to the victims in coordination with the DSWD, prompting him to direct other agencies to fast track their operations.

President Marcos ordered the government agencies to fast-track the clearing operations for affected roads, infrastructures and bridges to allow the immediate delivery of aid and relief to the affected areas as well as provide them sufficient potable water. (PND)