The House of Representatives, through the offices of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Partylist, in partnership with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been working to facilitate the immediate release of P35 million in financial aid, with 17,500 food packs currently being prepared and distributed as assistance for the seven congressional districts affected by the recent flooding and landslides in the Davao Region.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported that nearly 45,000 families, comprising over 187,000 people, have been affected by flooding and landslides in the region. These incidents were attributed to heavy rains brought about by a shear line last Tuesday.
Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives, stressed the urgency of their efforts, emphasizing that the focus is on the continued unhampered delivery of substantial assistance to those in the Davao Region severely affected by the natural disaster.
“Every moment counts, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that financial aid and essential supplies reach those in need without delay,” he said in a press release Jan. 19. “We understand the gravity of the situation, and our combined efforts aim to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by our fellow Filipinos.”
Tingog Partylist Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre assured flood victims that the Marcos administration has been doing everything to respond to their needs.
“Our hearts go out to the people of the Davao Region facing the aftermath of this natural disaster,” she said.
“Tingog Partylist is committed to working alongside Speaker Romualdez’s office to ensure that our assistance reaches those who need it most,” Acidre added.
The Speaker said they are also coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the swift release of P5 million to each of the seven districts in Davao Region, through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.
The allocated financial aid will support the districts represented by Maria Carmen Zamora (Davao de Oro, 1st District), Alan Dujali (Davao del Norte, 2nd District), Cheeno Miguel Almario (Davao Oriental, 2nd District), Nelson Dayanghirang (Davao Oriental, 1st District), and Ruwel Peter Gonzaga (Davao de Oro, 2nd District).
Financial aid will also be extended to the first district of Davao del Norte and the lone district of Davao Occidental. This assistance will be channeled through vice governors De Carlo Uy and Lorna Bandigan, respectively.
Every district will additionally be provided with 2,500 food packs.
The financial aid will play a crucial role in supporting diverse aspects of relief efforts, including the reconstruction of minor infrastructure, provision of medical assistance, and assistance to families displaced by the calamity, they said.
The food packs, currently in preparation, are tailored to meet the immediate nutritional needs of the affected individuals and families. ||
