Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Oct. 23 that upon the instructions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a large-scale relief operation has been launched by the House of Representatives to assist the families severely affected by Typhoon Kristine.
As part of this operation, Romualdez facilitated the request for the immediate release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 districts affected by the typhoon in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa, as well as through four party-list representatives.
“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.
House deputy secretary general Sofonias Gabonada said the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Party-list 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 Typhoon 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 comes from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). 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.
“We know how difficult the situation is for our fellow Filipinos, and we are here to help,” Romualdez said in a press release. “We will ensure that these funds go directly to the recovery and rebuilding efforts in these communities.”
“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.
Romualdez, meanwhile, 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.” ||
