Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Cagayan de Oro City to personally conduct a post-assessment of the impact of Tropical Storm Basyang, as part of the national government’s efforts to validate damage reports and determine the appropriate assistance for affected communities.

During his visit, Secretary Gatchalian paid a courtesy call on Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy at City Hall, where they discussed the effects of the storm, including casualties and the situation of affected families. 

The DSWD Secretary extended his condolences to the families of the landslide victims and assured continued assistance for those impacted by the typhoon.

The post-assessment also covered the city government’s preparedness and response measures prior to Basyang’s landfall. 

TS BASYANG POST-ASSESSMENT VISIT. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian meets Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy to discuss the city’s response, post-assessment findings, and assistance for affected families. Gatchalian expressed condolences to landslide victims and assured continued support. Photo courtesy of CIO.

Mayor Uy briefed the DSWD Secretary on the city’s pre-disaster actions, including pre-emptive evacuations, intensified information dissemination, and close coordination with barangay officials, which helped mitigate the impact of the storm.

Earlier, Mayor Uy personally visited the wake of the landslide victims in Barangay Agusan and directed concerned city offices to immediately provide assistance to the affected families. 

The local government extended financial aid, burial packages, and transportation assistance for the transfer of remains to Bukidnon, along with personal assistance from the mayor.

Secretary Gatchalian was joined by DSWD Special Secretary Ramel Jamen, Regional Director Glofelia Uayan, and Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe.

Also present during the meeting were Mayor’s Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department Chief Nick Jabagat, Secretary to the City Mayor Xsyclyn Faith Lumbatan, City Spokesperson Janboy Actub, and Acting City Information Officer Jade Adeser.

City officials said the visit underscores the close coordination between the national and local governments to ensure timely relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts following the onslaught of Tropical Storm Basyang.