ROMUALDEZ LEADS TABANG BIKOL-TINDOG ORAGON RELIEF EFFORT, P850-M IN AID FOR OVER 170,000 TYPHOON VICTIMS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday (21 November 2024) spearheaded the distribution of aid under the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon initiative for victims of Super Typhoon Pepito and Typhoon Kristine in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay.

The House of Representatives, under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, launched the large-scale relief effort in cooperation with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The initiative allocated nearly P850 million to provide critical aid to more than 170,000 typhoon victims across the Bicol Region, covering their immediate needs, including financial assistance, home repairs, and livelihood restoration.

“Narito po kami ngayon bilang pagtugon sa panawagan ng ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na magkapit-bisig upang maghatid ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan na sinalanta ng mga nakaraang bagyo,” Romualdez said.

“This united effort is a testament to the resilience and bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. As we rebuild lives and communities, let us continue to work hand-in-hand for a stronger and more prepared nation. Rest assured, your government remains steadfast in providing support and hope during these trying times,” he added.

On Monday (18 November 2024), a convoy of 24 trucks carrying food, hygiene kits, clothing, and other essential items from a nationwide donation drive left the House of Representatives to deliver critical assistance to the affected communities.

The relief effort, led by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co, a proud son of the Bicol region, includes three main components: financial assistance payouts, a mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), and the distribution of relief goods.

The first leg of the Tabang Bikol-Tindog Oragon initiative kicked off Thursday morning at Plaza Rizal in Virac, Catanduanes, distributing P100 million in cash assistance to an estimated 20,000 beneficiaries in the province.

The aid package for Catanduanes also included 10,000 relief goods packs, 140,000 kgs. of rice, and housing materials for 950 families.

For Albay, the focal point of the relief effort was at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City, with P255 million in cash assistance for an estimated 53,000 beneficiaries. The aid for Albay also included 180,000 kgs. of rice and shelter assistance for 356 families, amounting to P6.6 million.

The relief operations for Camarines Sur were held at the Jessie Robredo Coliseum in Naga City, with P125 million in cash assistance for over 25,000 beneficiaries, as well as 75,000 kgs. of rice and housing materials for 50 families.

The final leg of the aid caravan was held at the Ka-Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur, where P164 million in cash assistance and 132,000 kgs. of rice were distributed to around 34,000 beneficiaries.

“This initiative is not just about providing relief goods or financial support; it is about showing solidarity and compassion. We are here to assure every affected family that they are not alone in this journey toward recovery,” Romualdez said.

“I thank our local government units, partner organizations, and volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Together, we will rebuild stronger and more resilient communities,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of partnerships in disaster response. Donations for the aid drive included hundreds of sacks of rice and canned goods from various groups such as Tingog Party-list, PHILRECA, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and private donors.

Romualdez also highlighted the need to combine financial aid with long-term recovery efforts.

“Hindi lamang ito pantawid sa ngayon, kundi hakbang tungo sa mas maayos na kinabukasan. Mahalaga na magkaisa ang lahat – pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at bawat Pilipino – upang mapanumbalik ang sigla ng ating mga komunidad,” Romualdez stated.

The relief initiative also underscores Romualdez’s personal commitment to disaster relief, drawing from his experience following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

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