Bad weather cancels Marcos visit to Romblon

MANILA, Philippines —  Inclement weather forced Malacañang to cancel President Marcos’ attendance in events in Romblon and Ilocos Norte scheduled yesterday.

Marcos was supposed to lead the distribution of aid to sectors affected by El Niño in Tablas, Romblon as well as attend the inauguration of a rice processing system in Piddig, Ilocos Norte.

The turnover of assistance in Romblon pushed through without Marcos. He was represented by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

However, the President was present during the aid distribution in Puerto Princesa.

Presidential Security Group chief Brig. Gen. Nelson Morales said the weather in Romblon was “bad,” prompting Marcos and his companions to proceed to Palawan.

“We attempted to fly, but the weather condition did not permit us to take off,” Morales said in a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office. “Zero visibility en route to Ilocos Norte. The safety of the Chief Executive is our paramount consideration.”

Despite the bad weather, the Marcos administration handed over more than P259 million in financial assistance to local governments in MIMAROPA, which were hit by El Niño.

MIMAROPA is composed of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

Marcos said the government has allocated P140 million in standby funds and stockpile to prepare the region for the effects of La Niña.

Of the figure, P5 million is for standby funds, P102.77 million for food packs and P32.34 million for non-food items.

The amount of damage caused by El Niño in MIMAROPA has reached P3 billion.

Including other assistance provided by various agencies, the government distributed P952.66 million to farmers, fisherfolk and their families during Marcos’ visit to Palawan and P262.45 million during the event in Romblon.