ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ -- The Marcos administration is committed to providing sustained assistance to Capiz province until it fully recovers from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Ramil, a special assistant to the president assured residents here on Wednesday.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., visited Capiz on 23 October to personally assess the damage and needs.
"You have not been forgotten by the President," Lagdameo said. "We are here to personally see your condition and to make sure that your needs reach him and the Cabinet right away."
Lagdameo cited that a top immediate priority is aiding farmers whose crops were severely affected by the storm, which struck during the harvest season.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to distribute rice seeds and other aid, including crop insurance and assistance under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program for eligible farmers.
The Department of Health (DoH) and local hospitals remain on full alert to address urgent medical needs. The DoH has dispatched medical supplies and medicines, including 85,000 capsules of Doxycycline Hyclate, 2,000 tablets of Troclosene Sodium, and hygiene and mental health kits.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already provided P20.74 million worth of relief, consisting of 24,809 family food packs and 1,858 ready-to-eat meals. The agency also has P3 million in standby funds and a P63.34 million stockpile of goods for additional needs.
On infrastructure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that all five national roads affected in Capiz are now passable to all vehicle types. While a full damage assessment is ongoing, no damage has been reported on national roads, bridges, flood control structures, or government-owned buildings.
Power has been fully restored in the province, according to the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration, through the Capiz Electric Cooperative Inc.
In the education sector, the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a rapid damage assessment in schools across Roxas City. The assessment identified significant damage: 146 classrooms totally damaged, 64 with major damage, and 312 with minor damage, in addition to 11 damaged water and sanitation facilities. DepEd is now facilitating the release of funds for cleanup and minor repairs.
For residents who lost their homes, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) distributed 250 shelter-grade tarpaulins and is coordinating with local governments to validate beneficiaries for the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program.
Lagdameo reiterated Marcos's promise that national government support will not cease until Capiz fully recovers from the storm.
