In a significant move to aid recovery efforts, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated PHP50 million to support the regions of Aurora affected by devastating typhoons in late 2024. The financial assistance was delivered by the President’s son, William Vincent Araneta Marcos, during a ceremony at the provincial capitol in Baler, Aurora on January 15, 2025.
The funds are designated to mitigate the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji) and Super Typhoons Ofel (Usagi) and Pepito (Man-Yi), which wreaked havoc in November. The aid distribution saw Governor Reynante Tolentino receiving PHP30 million on behalf of the provincial government. Casiguran’s Mayor Roynald Soriano accepted PHP10 million, while Baler’s representatives, Lian Angara and Vincent Paladio, collected PHP10 million for their municipality.
The event was graced by the presence of notable figures including Representative Rommel Angara, Provincial Administrator Joseph Soniel, and Board Members Jake Galban and Lloyd Alsen Delos Reyes, alongside other local government officials.
Governor Tolentino expressed gratitude towards President Marcos Jr., emphasizing that the financial support would significantly accelerate recovery initiatives. These include relief operations, the rehabilitation of infrastructure, and the restoration of agricultural lands, crucial steps towards rebuilding the affected communities.