In a heartening visit to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought much-needed relief to 1,067 families affected by Typhoon Marce. The distribution event, held at the Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex, saw the President personally handing out family food packs and rice, providing sustenance for several days to the typhoon victims.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development spearheaded the food aid initiative, while other government bodies, including the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Education, committed to accelerating the recovery of the typhoon-ravaged areas. The Department of Labor and Employment’s program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, is set to assist 3,895 beneficiaries across several towns in Ilocos Norte.
Residents expressed their gratitude for the President’s visit, which they said renewed their hope for recovery. Remy Calvan, a massage therapist from Barangay Saud, highlighted the uplifting effect of the President’s presence. Despite Pagudpud’s reputation for its stunning beaches and landscapes, the aftermath of Typhoon Marce has left a trail of destruction, with 103 houses and 20 resorts, homestays, and stores in Saud village suffering partial damage.
Merilyn Curammeng, a 71-year-old resident, recounted her terrifying experience during the typhoon’s peak, when her home’s roofing was ripped away. She was eventually rescued by her nearby grandchild. Other locals, such as Laureta Faylogna and Joveni Aning from Poblacion 2, are relying on government assistance to rebuild their homes destroyed by the storm. Aning, a fisherman, remains determined to support his daughter Jovelyn’s education, who is currently pursuing a degree in BS Education.