Following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. personally led the distribution of aid and an assessment of community needs in Masbate province on Monday after the region was battered by Typhoon Opong.

Lagdameo, accompanied by several Cabinet members, visited the province to oversee ongoing rehabilitation efforts and ensure the gradual recovery of affected communities.

“This isn’t where government assistance ends. Support will continue until the province is fully back on its feet,” Lagdameo told residents during his visit.

The SAP stated that the President's instructions were clear: the people of Masbate must not be neglected and essential government services and aid must reach those in need. Among the assistance distributed were rice and corn seeds to help local farmers revive the agricultural sector.

Additionally, approximately 500 tourism workers who lost their livelihood due to the typhoon received aid through the collaborative effort of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Tourism (DoT).

Lagdameo also inspected public schools, including Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School, to ensure the safety of students and the continuity of education.

He stressed that the swift response to the needs of Masbateños was made possible by strong coordination between national government agencies and the local government.

“When we are united and work together, our response to crises becomes faster, and relief reaches our people more efficiently,” Lagdameo said.

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) assured that the administration’s support would be sustained until the province fully recovers.

It was cited that the President previously released 100 million pesos in rehabilitation funds to address the needs of communities hit by three consecutive typhoons in Masbate.

Humanitarian and disaster response teams, including groups conducting medical missions, distributing clean water, and clearing blocked roads, were also deployed to speed up the delivery of aid to remote villages.