President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday delivered over P70 million in livelihood and financial assistance to thousands of residents affected by Typhoon Marce in Ilocos Norte.

During the aid distribution held at the Pagudpud Cultural and Sports Complex, Marcos Jr. extended P50 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President to Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecillia Araneta-Marcos.

The President also inspected the seawall and a school damaged by the typhoon.

He also witnessed the distribution of PhP20 million through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to various local chief executives in Ilocos Norte.

The aid from DOLE would benefit 3,895 typhoon victims.

In his speech, Marcos Jr. said he brought a whole-of-government approach to bring all forms of assistance from various government agencies closer to the Marce-affected residents in Ilocos Norte.

“Ang ganitong klaseng problema hindi kayang masolusyonan ng isang department lamang. Kailangan magtulong-tulongan ang mga departamento. Kaya’t pinagsasama-sama namin lahat ng may kakayahan na tumulong para sila ay tumulong,” he said.

The President also witnessed the distribution of food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development along with some rice seeds from the Department of Agriculture and other assistance from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported 9,340 individuals, or 2,903 families were affected by Marce in Ilocos Norte. A total of 540 families, or 1,635 individuals are in the evacuation centers.