Following a series of weather disturbances, including Super Typhoon Pepito, a relief caravan, comprising 24 truckloads of goods, is set to leave for the Bicol Region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in close coordination with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the House of Representatives, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, has launched the Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon relief initiative, rolling out nearly P750 million to provide financial assistance and 24 truckloads of relief goods to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the Bicol region, following a series of weather disturbances, including “Pepito”.
The program, with Romualdez as the main proponent, aims to support communities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay, as they recover from the devastation caused by typhoons Kristine and Carina and “Pepito”.
The relief effort includes three major activities: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), and the distribution of relief goods.
House deputy secretary general Sofonias Gabonada said the initiative is also spearheaded by the House Appropriations Committee chairman Zaldy Co – who also hails from Bicol – and embodies the House’s commitment to “holistic and sustainable recovery,” addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
He added that the distribution of financial aid under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will begin today, Nov. 18.
The mini-BPSF, scheduled for Nov. 21, will offer residents access to vital government services, including housing, healthcare and livelihood programs, Gabonada said in a House press release.
Gabonada said activities will take place at multiple venues, including the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, and BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected in each location.
Romualdez emphasized the importance of combining financial aid with services that foster long-term aid to the people.
A key feature of the initiative is the distribution of relief goods gathered from a nationwide donation drive, he added.
Dozens of truckloads carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essentials will depart from the House of Representatives today to bring aid to thousands of families.
The logistics effort reflects the commitment of the government and private donors to deliver tangible relief to affected areas.
The event also highlights the importance of partnerships in disaster response. Donations include hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods contributed by various groups, such as Tingog Party-list, Philreca, the National Irrigation Administration, and private donors.
The initiative highlights Romualdez’s personal dedication to disaster relief, with his experience in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Nov. 21 will also see the ceremonial turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events in Naga City, Pili, and Polangui. These gatherings aim to reinforce the message of unity and resilience within the affected communities.
“Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon reflects the compassion, resilience, and unity of the Filipino spirit,” Gabonada noted.
The beneficiaries of this program include families displaced by recent weather disturbances, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods. ||
