By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has launched the “Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” relief initiative.

The initiative includes 24 truckloads of relief goods and P750 million in financial aid for those affected by recent typhoons in Bicol, including the island province of Catanduanes, which was devastated by Super Typhoon Pepito.

Romualdez said the relief efforts, which departed on Monday (November 18, 2024) for Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes, are aimed at providing urgent assistance to the typhoon-stricken provinces of the Bicol Region, particularly Catanduanes, which bore the brunt of the super typhoon.

“Ito ang mensahe sa atin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, na tayo ay magkaisa at patunayang kaya nating magtulungan at bumangon mula sa kahit anong unos. Alam natin ang hirap ng ating mga kababayang nasalanta, kaya tayo ay pupunta doon para maghatid ng relief goods at tulong-pinansyal,” Romualdez said.

“Pagkakaisa pa rin ang esensya ng ating pagbangon. Sabay-sabay tayong tatayo mula sa kalamidad na ito at magsumikap para sa magandang kinabukasan,” added Romualdez, the leader of the more than 300-member House of Representatives.

The relief operation is being spearheaded by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a proud Bicolano, and coordinated by House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr. The initiative focuses on both immediate relief and sustainable recovery.

Key components of the initiative include:

Financial assistance payouts: Beginning November 18, financial aid under the DSWD Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program will be distributed to over 150,000 beneficiaries across the region.

Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF): On November 21, a mini-BPSF event will be held to provide residents with essential government services, including housing, healthcare, and livelihood programs. Venues include the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, and the BUPC Gymnasium in Polangui, with 10,000 beneficiaries expected at each location.

Distribution of relief goods: A convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essential items will depart from the House of Representatives on November 18 to deliver aid to the affected communities.

According to Gabonada, the initiative reflects the House’s commitment to a holistic and sustainable recovery approach.

The operation also highlights key partnerships between government agencies and private donors, including Tingog Partylist, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and other private groups. These efforts aim to meet the immediate needs of affected families while also empowering communities for long-term recovery.

Romualdez, who himself experienced the impact of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, emphasized the importance of combining swift relief with sustainable development.

“Ito ang ating natutunan sa mga nagdaang bagyo, na ang response and recovery ay dapat mabilis. Dapat naihahatid agad ang tulong sa ating mga apektadong komunidad at hindi lamang ito pantawid sa nangyari, kundi kasama rin ang tulong sa pagbangon mula sa epekto ng bagyo,” Romualdez explained.

The initiative will culminate in the ceremonial turnover of relief goods during the mini-BPSF events on November 21, reinforcing the message of unity and resilience among affected communities.

“Tabang Bikol, Tindog Oragon” underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no family is left behind in the recovery process.

ia/mnm