Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has secured the release of a P25-million relief fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), or AKAP program, to provide immediate support to more than 1,000 families affected by the recent fire in Bacoor, Cavite.
The fund, Romualdez said, will be utilized to deliver essential goods, temporary shelter, and medical assistance to the displaced families.
“This devastating fire has caused significant damage to many communities in Cavite. In partnership with the DSWD’s AKAP program, we are mobilizing a P25-million fund to provide urgent relief and help families get back on their feet,” the Speaker said in a press release Sept. 12, adding that his team and Tingog Partylist, led by Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, also served hot meals and distributed relief goods to the victims.
The AKAP program, which is designed to assist individuals and families in crisis situations, will help ensure the immediate delivery of food, clean water, medical aid, and temporary shelter to the fire victims.
The Speaker added that local government units and other national agencies, such as the National Housing Authority, are already coordinating with his office and DSWD to maximize the impact of the aid.
He extended his gratitude to the DSWD for their prompt action in releasing the funds and called on the private sector to contribute to recovery efforts, urging for a collaborative approach.
“This is a collective effort. While the government is taking urgent steps to provide immediate assistance, we also call on private organizations and concerned individuals to join in helping the people of Cavite recover from this tragedy,” Romualdez said.
“Ensuring the well-being of our fellow Filipinos is our utmost priority. This incident is a reminder that we need to strengthen our disaster management systems and promote preventive measures to protect communities from future calamities,” he added.
The P25-million fund is now being disbursed through the DSWD’s AKAP program, with local officials facilitating the distribution of assistance to the affected families. On-the-ground assessments continue, and authorities are working to provide both immediate and long-term support. ||
