Upon the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez facilitated Sept. 2 the request for the immediate release of P390 million in financial aid to indigent citizens affected by the onslaught of heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Enteng, which left many areas in Metro Manila and Calabarzon flooded.
Romualdez and the Tingog partylist, utilizing their disaster relief funds, distribute around 35,000 food packs—each containing canned goods, noodles, and rice—starting Sept. 3 at evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.
“My heartfelt sympathies are with all Filipino families affected by Typhoon Enteng. The flooding in the National Capital Region and Calabarzon, especially soon after Typhoon Carina, is a heavy burden,” he said in a press release.
“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone – we stand with you during this difficult time,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.
Romualdez said the financial aid will amount to P10 million and will be distributed to families in each of the 39 congressional districts affected by the typhoon.
The P390 million financial assistance for flood victims will be funded under the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“We, at the House of Representatives, have quickly organized financial assistance to help those in need. Through the AKAP Program, we are providing P10,000 to each of the affected families. While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding,” Romualdez said.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House members, who moved swiftly to ensure that this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.
This financial assistance will be distributed to the most vulnerable residents along the path of Typhoon Enteng to allow them to recover as quickly as possible, Romualdez said. “As we work together to recover from the effects of Enteng, let us continue to support one another. Though the road ahead may be challenging, with compassion and determination, I believe we can rebuild and move forward.” ||
