(Photo courtesy of PCO)
Malacañang on Friday assured local government units (LGUs) that disaster rehabilitation funds are being distributed fairly, regardless of political affiliations, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the national government remains committed to providing assistance to disaster-affected communities based on their needs, emphasizing that political considerations should not influence the allocation of public funds.
“Ramdam mismo ng mga liderato ng LGUs kung paano pantay-pantay ang pagtingin ng Pangulo sa bawat rehiyon, sa bawat probinsiya, sa bawat barangay, pantay-pantay,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Her remarks followed the turnover of Php 8.645 billion in financial assistance to 306 disaster-affected LGUs under the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP).
Marcos led the distribution ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, with the funds intended to support rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in communities recovering from disasters.
Castro said the assistance demonstrates the administration’s commitment to helping local governments restore damaged infrastructure and address the needs of affected residents.
Robredo welcomes faster release of funds
Castro cited the positive response of several local officials, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who welcomed the national government’s assistance.
According to the Palace official, Robredo acknowledged that the faster release of rehabilitation funds would significantly help Naga City address longstanding flooding problems, particularly through improvements to its drainage systems.
Castro said the President had directed concerned agencies to simplify procedures and accelerate the release of financial assistance to LGUs.
The streamlined process is intended to help local governments implement rehabilitation projects without unnecessary delays.
Palace rejects politicization of government aid
Castro maintained that national government assistance should not be politicized, stressing that disaster recovery programs are intended to benefit communities regardless of their local leaders’ political affiliations.
“So, ang anumang pagbibigay tulong at ayuda ng national government, ng Pangulo sa LGUs, ito ay nararapat lamang at hindi na dapat na pinupulitika ng iba,” she said.
She emphasized that local officials play a crucial role in identifying priority projects because they have direct knowledge of the challenges facing their constituents.
“Dahil ito ay para sa ating mga kababayan na ang karaniwan na pangangailangan ay ang kanilang mga liderato sa lokal na pamahalaan ang siyang nakakaalam,” Castro added.
The Palace official underscored the importance of coordination between national agencies and local governments to ensure that rehabilitation funds are used effectively and reach communities that need them most.
The Php 8.645-billion assistance package is expected to support various recovery initiatives, including infrastructure rehabilitation and projects aimed at strengthening communities against future disasters.
Castro reiterated that the administration’s priority is to accelerate recovery efforts and ensure that government resources are directed toward improving the lives of disaster-affected Filipinos.
