President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. visited Ilocos Norte personally on Friday, October 4, 2024, to assess the damage caused by Typhoon #JulianPH.

During a briefing at the Provincial Capitol in Laoag City, the provincial government reported nearly P1 billion in losses in infrastructure and agriculture, including damaged dikes, bridges, roads, and seawalls.

Marcos questioned the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan on the collapse of several flood control projects.

“Gusto ko malaman why did it happen, what changes, bakit nasira ang mga ito? Panahon ko pa itong mga ito,” he asked, referring to flood control structures built during his time.

Bonoan responded, “I think the riverbed is silted na,” pointing to heavy water currents and silt buildup as the cause.

Recognizing siltation as a major problem, Marcos discussed plans for large-scale dredging operations in the province’s rivers.

“Siltation ang problema, every town na may ilog silted. Hahanap ako ng makakatulong sa atin,” Marcos said.

The President also announced P100 million in financial assistance from the Office of the President for affected residents, and he distributed relief goods to around 800 recipients earlier in Laoag City.

Beneficiaries under the AKAP program received P3,000 each, along with food packs.

“Pagpasensyahan niyo na po kami, Sir, at tulungan niyo, Sir, ang mga naghihirap na constituents ng Pilipinas,” Thelma Clemente, an AKAP beneficiary, said.

Marcos assured further aid, pledging P10,000 per family for those impacted by Typhoon Julian.