City of Manila on Thursday, November 5, 2026. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Province of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando is among the 306 local government units (LGUs) nationwide set to benefit from the national government’s P8.6-billion financial assistance under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP).
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of funds to beneficiary LGUs at Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang Palace on Thursday, reaffirming the national government’s commitment to provide local governments with the resources needed to rebuild communities and restore essential services following disasters.
The funds may be used for the rehabilitation of roads, bridges, public buildings, evacuation facilities, schools, health facilities, and damaged agricultural resources, as well as shelter, resettlement, livelihood recovery, and social protection initiatives.
As a former governor, the president emphasized that local governments play a crucial role in disaster recovery, recognizing their familiarity with the needs and challenges of their constituents.
“We trust our LGUs know what is best for their communities. In turn, we will provide the resources that you need to carry out these interventions. Sama-sama nating itatayo muli ang ating mga komunidad, mas matatag at mas handa, tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas, kung saan walang maiiwan at walang mawawalan ng pag-asa,” Marcos said.
For his part, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto stressed that disaster recovery does not end when the rains stop, but only when families no longer have to fear the next rainfall.
“Ang pondo sa nasalanta ay hindi dapat matengga. Bawat araw ng pagkaantala ay isa pang araw ng paghihirap para sa pamilyang naghihintay,” Recto said, underscoring the urgency of delivering assistance to communities in need.
Meanwhile, Fernando welcomed the national government’s assistance, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration between national and local governments in expediting the rehabilitation of disaster-affected communities.
“Malaking tulong ang programang ito sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan upang mas mapabilis ang pagbangon ng ating mga komunidad mula sa mga pinsalang dulot ng kalamidad. Tinitiyak natin na ang anumang tulong na ipinagkakaloob ng pambansang pamahalaan ay magagamit nang maayos, may pananagutan, at higit sa lahat, direktang mararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan na nangangailangan nito,” Fernando said.
