SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday announced that, upon the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a large-scale relief operation has been launched by the House of Representatives to assistlfamilies severely affected by Tropical Storm Kristine.
As part of this operation, Speaker Romualdez facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 districts affected by the tropical storm in Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and MIMAROPA, as well as through four party-list representatives.
“Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos: walang pamilyang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Kristine. Ito ang pangako natin sa sambayanang Pilipino, lalo na doon sa mga matindi ang naranasan sa kalamidad na ito,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“We are making sure the government’s assistance reaches our affected countrymen as quickly as possible,” added the leader of the House of Representatives, which is composed of over 300 members.
Additionally, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr. said the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Partylist are preparing 2,500 relief packs per representative, for a total of 62,500 packs worth over P21 million, to be distributed to families affected by Kristine.
Gabonada said a separate relief mission is also being prepared by Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Gabonada explained that the P15 million cash assistance per district and party-list representative will come from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program under Sec. Rex Gatchalian. The aid is expected to reach beneficiaries in the coming days.
The relief efforts are being coordinated with Tingog Partylist, which has been instrumental in providing on-the-ground support for the affected areas.
Speaker Romualdez highlighted that the districts covered by this aid include some of the most affected areas in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA, where Tropical Storm Kristine caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“We know how difficult the situation is for our fellow Filipinos, and we are here to help,” said Speaker Romualdez. “We will ensure that these funds go directly to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in these communities.”
Gabonada, who is overseeing the logistics of the relief operations, confirmed that the cash aid will be distributed to the 22 affected districts and the four party-list representatives over the next few days. He stressed that the assistance will focus on the immediate needs of the typhoon victims.
“The AICS funds will be directly distributed to those in need. We have set up mechanisms to ensure that the aid reaches the constituents of the affected districts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Gabonada said.
In the Bicol Region, the districts represented by Rep. Eulogio Rodriguez, Rep. Josie Tallado, Rep. Rosemarie Panotes, Rep. Tonton Kho, Rep. Olga Kho, Rep. Ricardo Kho, Rep. Wowo Fortes, Rep. Dette Escudero, Rep. Fernando Cabredo, Rep. Joey Salceda, Rep. Edcel Lagman, Rep. Migz Villafuerte, Rep. Lray Villafuerte, Rep. Arnie Fuentebella, Rep. Hori Horibata and Rep. Gabriel Bordado are among those receiving aid.
In Eastern Visayas, districts represented by Rep. Paul Daza, Rep. Harris Ongchuan, Rep. Reynolds Tan and Rep. Stephen James Tan will receive the same amount of assistance.
The district of Rep. Reynante Arrogancia from CALABARZON will also be given assistance.
In MIMAROPA, the district represented by Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has also been allocated its share of the financial aid.
Four party-list representatives—Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, Rep. Brian Yamsuan, Rep. Presley De Jesus and Rep. Felimon Espares—are also part of this relief initiative.
“This is a coordinated effort between the national government and local representatives, and we will ensure that aid is delivered promptly as instructed by President Marcos,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He also called on the private sector and non-government organizations to complement the government’s efforts. “This is the time for solidarity and cooperation. We welcome any additional support that can help our people get back on their feet,” he added.
The relief operation is part of the larger response strategy of the Marcos administration to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.
“Rest assured, we will not stop at relief operations. We will push for sustainable recovery programs that will help these communities rebuild their lives,” Speaker Romualdez concluded.
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