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Philstar.com
February 25, 2026 | 3:25pm
Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo leads the distribution of cash aid to the towns of Maguindanao del Sur for flood rehabilitation. This special financial assistance, facilitated by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President through the 'Tugon ng Pangulo' program, ensures that help reaches the victims directly through their local governments.
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) led the distribution of financial assistance to flood-hit municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur under Malacanang’s “Tugon ng Pangulo” program.
In late October 2025, severe flooding struck Maguindanao del Sur following days of persistent heavy rainfall brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Continuous rains caused rivers to swell and overflow, inundating several municipalities across the province.
The flooding displaced thousands of residents and affected homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands, prompting urgent and emergency calls for government intervention and immediate action.
In response, 11 municipalities each received P5 million in financial assistance to help speed up recovery efforts and address the immediate needs of affected communities.
According to SAP Anton Lagdameo, the "Tugon ng Pangulo" program aims to provide immediate financial support to local government units (LGUs) impacted by calamities, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively on the ground.
Officials said the funds may be utilized at the discretion of each LGU to assist flood victims, restore essential services, and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure in their respective areas.
The release of assistance followed a request from Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu for immediate aid to the affected municipalities in his district after the flooding disrupted communities and livelihoods.
Mangudadatu expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and SAP Lagdameo for fulfilling his request to help the victims and the affected communities.
“Salamat kay President Bongbong Marcos dahil yung hiling namin sa kanya through SAP Anton Lagdameo ay pinagbigyan. Importante na yung request natin kay SAP Anton papunta kay PBBM ay naaksyunan,” the lawmaker said.
A simple turnover ceremony was held in Davao City, where the mayors personally received the checks for their respective municipalities, including Municipal Mayor Datu Ibrahim Mangudadatu of Buluan, Municipal Mayor Vicman Montawal of Datu Montawal, Municipal Mayor Omar Ali of Datu Salibo, Municipal Mayor Bassir Uto of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Municipal Mayor Fiedder Owen Mangudadatu of Mangudadatu, Municipal Mayor Abdilah Mamasabulod of Pagalungan, Municipal Mayor Raisa Langkuno of Paglat, Municipal Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura of Rajah Buayan, Municipal Mayor Mielyn Dimalna Ali of Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Municipal Mayor Allandatu Angas Sr. of Sultan sa Barongis, and Municipal Mayor Datu Sajid Andre Ampatuan of Shariff Saydona Mustapha. (Contributed story)
