• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
“It’s encouraging and reassuring that the national government is aware of the situation in Negros Occidental.”
That was how Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday to the towns of Moises Padilla and La Castellana, which suffered extensive losses in lives and properties due to Typhoon Tino that devastated the province on November 4.
During his visit, the President personally inspected the damaged areas and bridges in Moises Padilla to assess the situation. He was accompanied by Mayor Ella Celestina Yulo, who took the opportunity to raise her concerns with the President.
In an interview, Yulo disclosed that President Marcos vowed to extend full support to the local governments in rebuilding the severely damaged footbridges that connect communities.
The President requested a list of infrastructure needing immediate restoration, prompting the mayor to emphasize the importance of restoring footbridges in several villages which are vital for residents to safely access the town proper, especially in isolated areas where these bridges serve as the only crossing points, she cited.
Yulo further explained that several bridges in Barangays Inolingan, Quentin Remo, and Macagahay remain impassable, leaving thousands of residents cut off.
President Marcos, accompanied by Lacson and La Castellana Mayor Anejo Nicor, also visited La Castellana Elementary School, which has been serving as a temporary shelter for thousands of typhoon victims.
“He assured the victims that the government will continuously help in their present needs and situations. He assures you that concerns and everything are up to fastening the recovery of Negros Occidental,” Lacson conveyed, as Marcos refused to answer media interviews.
Also present during the site visit and situational briefing were key officials, including Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who arrived in the province a day prior; Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.; Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa; and other regional directors.*
