FOLLOWING the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have launched the “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief initiative consisting of 24 truckloads of relief goods and P750 million worth of financial aid to those affected by recent typhoons in Bicol, including Catanduanes.
Speaker Romualdez said the relief efforts, which left Monday for Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Catanduanes, will deliver urgent aid to typhoon-stricken provinces in the Bicol Region, including the latter, which bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Pepito.
“Ito ang mensahe sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, na tayo ay magkaisa at patunayang kaya nating magtulungan at bumangon mula sa kahit anong unos. Alam natin ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasalanta, kaya tayo ay pupunta doon para maghatid ng relief goods at tulong-pinansyal,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Pagkakaisa pa rin ang esensya ng ating pagbangon. Sabay-sabay tayong tatayo mula sa kalamidad na ito at magsumikap para sa magandang kinabukasan,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.
The relief effort, spearheaded by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a proud son of the Bicol, and coordinated by House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr., is focused on both immediate relief and sustainable recovery.
Key components of the initiative include:
1. Financial assistance payouts: Starting Nov. 18, financial aid under the DSWD Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will be distributed to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the region.
2. Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF): On Nov. 21, a mini-BPSF event will be held to provide residents with vital government services, including housing, healthcare and livelihood programs. Venues include Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected at each location.
3. Distribution of relief goods: A convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing and other essential items will leave the House of Representatives today, Nov. 18, to bring aid to the affected communities.
According to Gabonada, this initiative reflects the House’s commitment to a holistic and sustainable recovery approach.
The relief operation highlights partnerships between government agencies and private donors, with contributions from Tingog Partylist, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and other private groups. These efforts aim to address the immediate needs of affected families while also empowering communities for long-term recovery.
Speaker Romualdez, with his own constituency affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, stressed the importance of combining swift relief with sustainable development.
“Ito ang ating natutunan sa mga nagdaang bagyo, na ang response and recovery ay dapat mabilis. Dapat naihahatid agad ang tulong sa ating mga apektadong komunidad at dapat ito rin ay hindi lamang pantawid sa nangyari kundi kasama ang tulong sa pagbangon mula sa epekto ng bagyo,” Speaker Romualdez explained.
The initiative will culminate in the ceremonial turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events on Nov. 21, reinforcing the message of unity and resilience among affected communities.
“Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring no family is left behind in the recovery process.
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