ROMUALDEZ MOBILIZES AT LEAST P411-M AID FOR TYPHOON KRISTINE VICTIMS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez announced on Wednesday (October 23, 2024) that, following instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives has launched a large-scale relief operation to assist families severely affected by Typhoon Kristine.

As part of this initiative, Romualdez facilitated the release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 districts across the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and MIMAROPA, as well as to four party-list representatives.

“Malinaw po ang direktiba ni Pangulong Marcos: walang pamilyang Pilipino ang maiiwan sa pagtulong ng pamahalaan sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong Kristine. Ito ang pangako natin sa sambayanang Pilipino, lalo na doon sa mga matindi ang naranasan sa kalamidad na ito,” said Romualdez.

“We are making sure the government’s assistance reaches our affected countrymen as quickly as possible,” he added.

Additionally, House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr. stated that the Office of the Speaker and the Tingog Party-list are preparing 2,500 relief packs per representative, amounting to 62,500 packs worth over P21 million, to be distributed to affected families.

Gabonada mentioned that a separate relief mission is being organized by Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations.

He explained that the P15 million in cash assistance per district and party-list representative comes from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, under Sec. Rex Gatchalian. This aid is expected to reach beneficiaries in the coming days.

The relief efforts are being coordinated with Tingog Party-list, which has been instrumental in providing on-the-ground support to affected areas.

Romualdez highlighted that some of the most affected areas include districts in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, where Typhoon Kristine caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

“We know how difficult the situation is for our fellow Filipinos, and we are here to help,” said Romualdez. “We will ensure that these funds go directly to recovery and rebuilding efforts in these communities.”

Gabonada, overseeing the logistics of the relief operations, confirmed that the cash aid would be distributed to the 22 affected districts and the four party-list representatives in the coming days, focusing on the immediate needs of the typhoon victims.

“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,” he said.

In the Bicol Region, districts represented by Rep. Eulogio Rodriguez, Rep. Josie Tallado, Rep. Rosemarie Panotes, Rep. Tonton Kho, Rep. Olga Kho, Rep. Ricardo Kho, Rep. Wowo Fortes, Rep. Dette Escudero, Rep. Fernando Cabredo, Rep. Joey Salceda, Rep. Edcel Lagman, Rep. Migz Villafuerte, Rep. Lray Villafuerte, Rep. Arnie Fuentebella, Rep. Hori Horibata, and Rep. Gabriel Bordado are among those receiving aid.

In Eastern Visayas, districts represented by Rep. Paul Daza, Rep. Harris Ongchuan, Rep. Reynolds Tan, and Rep. Stephen James Tan will also receive assistance.

Assistance will also be given to CALABARZON’s district represented by Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, and MIMAROPA’s district represented by Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

Four party-list representatives—Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon, Rep. Brian Yamsuan, Rep. Presley De Jesus, and Rep. Felimon Espares—are part of the relief effort.

“This is a coordinated effort between the national government and local representatives, and we will ensure that aid is delivered promptly as instructed by President Marcos,” Romualdez said.

He 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,” he added.

The relief operation is part of the Marcos administration’s broader strategy to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.

“Rest assured, we will not stop at relief operations. We will push for sustainable recovery programs that will help these communities rebuild their lives,” Romualdez concluded.

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