Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, assisted by House Appropriations Committee Chair and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado, leads the ceremonial payout of cash assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon relief caravan at the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City Thursday afternoon (Nov. 21, 2024).
THE House of Representatives, under Speaker Martin Romualdez, has launched the “Tabang Bicol, Tindog Oragon” program, providing substantial aid to Bicol Region residents affected by recent typhoons.
In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the initiative allocated nearly ₱850 million to assist approximately 170,000 beneficiaries across the region.
Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co commended Speaker Romualdez for his leadership in this relief mission. “This program underscores Speaker Romualdez’s dedication to uplifting Filipinos in need,” he said.
“Our sincerest gratitude to Speaker Martin and the House of Representatives for bringing hope and concrete assistance to our people. Through this program, we can significantly aid many Bicolanos in recovering from the successive typhoons.”
The comprehensive assistance includes food packs from the DSWD, financial support through the Integrated Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. These measures aim to address the immediate needs of affected families and support their recovery efforts.
In Catanduanes, severely impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito, the Housing Materials and Essentials (HOME) program will provide housing kits to 950 residents who lost their homes or suffered significant damage. Each kit includes galvanized iron sheets, plywood, coco lumber, and nails, enabling beneficiaries to begin rebuilding their homes promptly.
Rep. Co also discussed with Speaker Romualdez plans to address recurring flooding in Bicol. He proposed constructing water impounding facilities in key flood-prone areas, which would help mitigate flooding during the rainy season and serve as irrigation systems during dry periods. “This project offers a dual solution to the region’s challenges—flood prevention and water supply for farmers during droughts,” Co explained.
The “Tabang Bicol, Tindog Oragon” program is a unified effort to support the Bicol Region’s recovery and development. Rep. Co reaffirmed his commitment to backing both immediate and long-term initiatives for the region’s safety and progress. “As we celebrate the success of this program, let us remain united in our efforts to help one another. Thank you, Speaker Romualdez, for your unwavering leadership and concern for Bicolanos,” he said.
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